Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk made a statement after the match against AZ Alkmaar, which ended 1-1.
We started badly, we started very badly. We conceded an early goal. It pulled us down morally. We played the game we planned in the second half. We played more forward and we played better with Davinson entering the center and Metehan entering the right. Where we were more productive was the second half. We couldn't play the first half as we wanted due to the demoralization caused by the early goal.
“IT LOOKED LIKE A PENALTY TO US”
I said to my players at half-time, 'Relax'. We were not comfortable with the ball at our feet. We wanted to win. They said the last minute goal was offside, it looked like a penalty beforehand. Generally speaking, we wanted to win.
“WE COULD HAVE DONE BETTER”
The opponent could have made it 2-0 in the first half, but in the second half there were missed positions and balls returning to the post. Actually, we could have done better, in terms of quality and playing power. After all, it was an away game, we wanted to win but we got 1 point. The next away game is more important to get into the top 8. “Our players got tired during the game, but the performance in the second half made me happy.”
WHY WAS NELSSON OUT?
The change of Nelsson and Metehan was not due to injury. We also told this to Nelson. To use Davinson in the center… Parrott was very mobile in the center, he did not fit Nelsson. Metehan also did positive things. Nelson was 3-4 meters behind his opponent. There were places he didn't follow. Davinson is more of a pursuing, risk-taking player. This was the reason for the change. Nelson struggled for the team. He is also a valuable player. He has a lot of role in the championships. I changed something that wasn't working.
“WE HAVE A FINAL GOAL WITH 1-2 TRANSFERS”
We showed very good things. We need to keep it going. This was not the beginning of the match, but there have been important shortcomings in the last weeks. We may have to play 3-man. Both Kaan and Jakobs' injuries, Icardi's injuries. Yusuf was not in the squad, he was injured. We are in a period where we are decreasing in terms of the number of players. When we are a full team, especially with half-time reinforcements… We have good players. If we make 1-2 reinforcements, we have a target on the way to the final.
“THERE IS NO JUSTICE IN THE FIXTURE! THERE IS BAD INTENTION”
I see bad match planning in the fixture. If you want the success of Turkish teams, you have to be fair. I am waiting for this justice. We are all surprised by the fixture. Three teams play on the same day, only Galatasaray plays three days later. We also applied, we did it for Monday, we said let's play on Tuesday, but they still did not accept. We are all surprised by the fixture. 3 teams play a match on the same day, only Galatasaray plays 3 days later. I wonder why Galatasaray only played 3 days later in the fixture organized by TFF. We applied to play on Monday, but it didn't work out, so we could play on Tuesday. After all, this is a national issue. If you want points in Europe, why do you let Galatasaray play 3 days later when there is no match during the week? Why are you putting us at risk of injury? We are already going through a busy fixture schedule. Of course, we are not complaining, we will go out and play like a lion, but I am looking for ill will here. It is very surprising that TFF determines such a fixture. I also said in the Kasımpaşa match, there is a bad organization. If you really support Turkish teams, you must be fair. I am waiting for this justice too.
