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Okan Buruk confirms Galatasaray's transfer plans: 'The pressure is correct pressure!'
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Sports

Okan Buruk confirms Galatasaray's transfer plans: 'The pressure is correct pressure!'

From Hรผrriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Galatasaray Technical Director Okan Buruk discussed the team's preparation and transfer plans after a 3-3 friendly draw with Rennes.
  • Buruk stated that players are not yet at 100% fitness due to the ongoing preparation phase and varying training durations for national team players.
  • He confirmed the club's intention to make new signings, emphasizing that the fan pressure for transfers is justified and that the management is working diligently to strengthen the squad.

Galatasaray Technical Director Okan Buruk addressed the team's performance and future plans following a challenging 3-3 friendly match against French side Rennes. Buruk acknowledged that his players are not yet at peak physical condition, explaining that the team is still in its preparation phase. He noted that while some players have had more training time, national team members have only recently returned, with training periods ranging from 8 to 12 days. Consequently, expecting 100% performance at this stage is unrealistic.

We are in a preparation period. Many teams prefer to start with easier opponents in preparation matches. We tried to choose more ambitious and difficult matches.

โ€” Okan BurukExplaining the choice of a strong opponent like Rennes for a friendly match.

Despite the fitness levels, Buruk expressed satisfaction with the players' effort and commitment during the match, stating they played with the intensity of a competitive game. He highlighted the desire and concentration shown by the starting lineup. While acknowledging that substitutions can affect the game's tempo, he was pleased with the overall effort and determination displayed by all players on the field, believing it bodes well for a successful season.

We are also in the preparation process. The purpose of this match was to be a preparation match. I always say; perhaps the next match will be a much more significant measure for us.

โ€” Okan BurukDownplaying the significance of the friendly result while emphasizing its preparatory role.

Regarding transfers, Buruk unequivocally confirmed the club's intention to sign new players. He stated that this is a shared goal among himself, the president, and the club's management, and that fans are rightly eager for new additions. Buruk described the fan pressure as "correct pressure," emphasizing that expectations are natural for a club like Galatasaray. He assured that significant effort is being invested in strengthening the squad, with the aim of bringing in quality players to complement the existing strong roster. The club is working to finalize deals as quickly as possible to provide the team with an advantage.

All of our players are not 100% ready. Some have trained more. Our national players are in a training period of approximately 8 to 12 days. So, expecting 100% performance would not be realistic.

โ€” Okan BurukDetailing the reasons for the players' current fitness levels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hรผrriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.