Former Turkey international Erman Toroğlu has criticized Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk for the team’s recent decline in performance, which he attributes to the injury of striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen sustained an arm injury during the second leg of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield in March, sidelining him at a pivotal moment in the season. Since his absence, the Yellow-Reds have struggled to find consistency, managing only one win in their last three Süper Lig matches. During this stretch, Galatasaray experienced a 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor, secured a 3-1 victory over Göztepe, and were held to a 1-1 draw by Kocaelispor.
In an interview with Habersarikirmizi, Toroğlu accused Buruk of ineffective squad management, highlighting an over-reliance on Osimhen. He remarked, “There was Icardi, there was Osimhen, there was Okan Buruk. Now Osimhen is absent, Okan Buruk is absent. It’s that straightforward.” Toroğlu emphasized that if a coach depends heavily on a single player within a large squad, the responsibility for the team’s performance ultimately falls on the coach. He stated, “Okan Buruk failed to manage this team. Osimhen was the one directing you on the pitch.”
Additionally, Toroğlu questioned Buruk’s treatment of Mauro Icardi, suggesting that the Argentine forward’s form has declined due to inconsistent playing time. He pointed out, “You attempted to substitute Icardi in the 89th minute because Osimhen was present, and you marginalized him. You did this, you did that, yet your team simply did not perform.”
Fortunately for Galatasaray, Osimhen has returned to training and is expected to be fit for selection before the end of the month. He is likely to be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Gençlerbirliği, with a potential start against Fenerbahçe on the horizon. His return could provide a much-needed boost for Buruk as Galatasaray aims to regain momentum in the title race after dropping crucial points in recent weeks.
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