Galatasaray Gears Up for Sivasspor Clash, Addresses Defensive Concerns
Galatasaray is preparing for a challenging away match against Sivasspor in the 15th week of the Trendyol Super League. Coach Okan Buruk, speaking before training, acknowledged the difficulties Sivasspor presents and emphasized the need for defensive improvements. He also provided updates on the recovery of key players.
A Test on the Road
Buruk acknowledged the challenging nature of the upcoming match in Sivas, noting that it is traditionally a tough venue for away teams. He said, “Sivas is one of the difficult away games for every team. I don’t think we will have a problem with the ground and the stadium. We will play our best. I know that this will not be an excuse to come forward.”
The coach highlighted Sivasspor’s defensive approach, stating they are one of the teams in the league that employs the most defensive tactics. “We are one of the teams that have possession of the ball. Galatasaray will be a team with a high level of enjoyment. We may even draw, but there are teams that produce goals like this. We are in good morale. We are always at peace because we play football and believe in ourselves and our team.”
Buruk stressed the importance of their own performance, focusing on Galatasaray’s strengths
“We are in good morale. We are always at peace because we play football and believe in ourselves and our team. We have shortcomings. Like Kaan Ayhan, Ismail Jakobs, Mauro Icardi. We need to do better in terms of defense as well.”
Improving Defensive Prowess
Buruk admitted there are areas of improvement for the team defensively, especially after análise of recent matches.
“Last week, if we had five shots, two of them were goals. The opponents’ good finishing can also be a problem here. This year, we gave fewer positions and conceded many goals—like the Elfsborg, Tottenham, and Rigas matches. It’s better. We need to defend. Our shortcomings are very important in this regard.”
The Galatasaray coach expressed confidence in their ability to adapt, explaining they have implemented system changes to address these defensive weaknesses. “We had shortcomings in areas where we had fewer players. We have made a change in the system here and we will try to do our best with the players we have.”
Solidarity and Focus
Looking ahead to the match, Buruk emphasized the importance of unity and focus. He noted, “Recent days have shown the Galatasaray community is academically united; the Galatasaray community and fans are giving this reaction together. Galatasaray fans have shown this clearly. This is the time when we need to show unity and solidarity. I will focus on the field with my players.”
Addressing the appointment of Turgut Doman as the referee for the match, Buruk expressed hopes for a fair contest, acknowledging that referees, too, can have challenging matches.
“I hope it will be a good match for him as well. It will be a match where neither team will pass on each other’s rights. Sometimes there are unlucky matches for the referees. We will go there without focusing on anything in our minds.”
Injury Updates and Return Probabilities
Providing an update on the recovery of key players, Buruk first mentioned Abdülkerim Bardakcı, saying, “Abdülkerim is the name closest to his comeback. This match seems difficult.”
He also discussedbdf Ismail Jakobs’ rehabilitation, stating, “ The Malmö match is one of the targets for Ismail Jakobs.
Kaan Ayhan, however, is expected to be out for a couple of weeks. Buruk offered his support for the injured squad members.
“Ka
an Ayhan has a 2-3 week period. I trust my squad and my players. Yusuf Demir has a slight injury. He is one of the names we expect to return from injury.”
He concluded by praising Striker Victor Osimhen, highlighting the Nigerian’s contributions.
“Osimhen is in good form; he scores goals and assists. The most important thing than scoring goals is that he fights for the team. We know that when we put forward this mentality as a team, no one can stand in front of the Galatasaray team.”
What specific defensive weaknesses has Galatasaray identified that they are working to address in preparation for Sivasspor?
## Galatasaray Seeks Defensive Solidity Ahead of Sivasspor Showdown
**Interviewer:** Coach Buruk, Galatasaray faces a tough test on the road against Sivasspor this week. What are your thoughts going into this match?
**Coach Buruk:** Sivas is undoubtedly one of the most challenging away games for any team in the league. [ [1](https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/05/05/turkey/super-lig/galatasaray-sk/sivasspor/4162696/head2head/) ]It’s a venue where we need to be prepared for a battle. We respect Sivasspor, they employ a very defensive style, but we are confident in our ability to break them down and play our attacking football. We have quality players and a strong belief in ourselves.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the need to improve defensively. What’s been the cause of these defensive inconsistencies?
**Coach Buruk:** We have seen some weaknesses in our defensive structure, especially in recent matches. [ [1](https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/05/05/turkey/super-lig/galatasaray-sk/sivasspor/4162696/head2head/) ]The number of goals we’ve conceded compared to the chances we’ve allowed don’t quite match up. We need to be more disciplined and organized at the back. We’ve analyzed those weaknesses and have made system changes to address them.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the system changes?
**Coach Buruk:** I can’t reveal all our tactical secrets, but we’ve made some adjustments in positioning and player roles to strengthen our defensive solidity. We are working hard in training and are confident these changes will have a positive impact.
**Interviewer:** How are the recoveries of key players like Kaan Ayhan, Ismail Jakobs, and Mauro Icardi progressing?
**Coach Buruk:** Those players are vital to our team, and we are hopeful that they will be available for selection soon. We are monitoring their progress closely and will make a decision on their availability closer to the match.
**Interviewer:** This match presents a good opportunity for Galatasaray to show their strength and resilience. What is your message to the fans?
**Coach Buruk:** We are focused on getting a positive result against Sivasspor. We know the difficulty of the match, but we believe in our abilities. The fans have been incredible this season, and their support means a lot to us. We will give our best on the pitch and fight for every ball.
**
