Soccer
Turkish football pundit Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı has claimed that Galatasaray could make a drastic managerial decision before the return of injured Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The outspoken analyst has warned that head coach Okan Buruk is under serious pressure following a dip in form that has blown the Süper Lig title race wide open. Galatasaray’s 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor on 4 April has cut their lead at the top to just one point, with rivals closing in fast.
Despite still sitting first with 64 points after 27 matches, the Istanbul giants are no longer in control of their own comfort. Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor both sit just behind on 63 points, increasing the tension ahead of a decisive run of fixtures.
Recent performances show a mixed picture. Galatasaray have won four of their last five league matches, but the loss to Trabzonspor exposed deeper issues. Away form has been particularly worrying, with four consecutive defeats in all competitions on the road. More importantly, the absence of Osimhen has disrupted the team’s attacking rhythm, with the side losing five matches he has missed this season.
Kütahyalı did not hold back in his assessment, warning that despite Buruk’s achievements, he risks getting dismissed should Galatasaray fail to win their next two games.
“If Galatasaray fails to win the Göztepe and Kocaelispor matches, Okan Buruk will be sacked,” Kütahyalı said as per Habersarikirmizi. “This is Galatasaray. Know this. Okan Buruk, you too should play this team without Osimhen.”
With matches against Göztepe and Kocaelispor coming up quickly, followed by a potentially title-deciding derby against Fenerbahçe on 26 April, the pressure on Buruk is clear.
Soccer Osimhen and Buruk: A ‘father-son’ bond under threat
Any decision to remove Buruk could have a major impact on Osimhen, who shares a close and deeply personal relationship with the coach. Their bond goes beyond football tactics, often described as a ‘father-son’ connection.
Recalling their first conversation before joining from Napoli, Osimhen once said:
“When I talked to Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk on the phone before I signed for them, he said to me:
‘I’m here to tell you that I want you in my club as a person, as a coach and as a father, and I know that these fans will love you very much, they will do anything for you and this club will be behind you even in times when you go through a difficult period’.”
That message helped convince the striker to commit his future to Galatasaray, even turning down lucrative offers from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
On the pitch, the partnership has been hugely successful. Osimhen fired Galatasaray to a league and cup double last term.
This season, Osimhen has scored 12 goals in 19 league matches and added seven more in European competition as Galatasaray reached the Champions League knockout round for the first time in over a decade.
Buruk has repeatedly praised the Super Eagles star, even describing him as ‘the best player I have seen right now’ and building his tactical system around the Nigerian’s pace, pressing, and finishing ability.
The striker is currently recovering from surgery after fracturing his forearm in a collision with Ibrahima Konaté. Initially expected to be out for up to eight weeks, his recovery has progressed faster than planned, with a possible return set for the crucial derby against Fenerbahçe.
Osimhen has already resumed light training and is expected to wear a protective splint when he returns. However, he is set to miss upcoming matches against Göztepe, Kocaelispor, and a Turkish Cup tie with Gençlerbirliği.
With the title race tightening and their star striker still sidelined, Galatasaray face a defining period. Whether Buruk survives it could shape not only their season, but also the future of one of the club’s most important relationships.
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