Okan Buruk Finds His Solution on the Galatasaray Bench
Galatasaray entered the Trabzonspor match as the leader and as the reigning champion of Turkey for the past four seasons. However, the 4-0 defeat dramatically changed the atmosphere around the team. The result did more than cost the club three points: it exposed weaknesses that had been hidden behind the team’s strong results.
One of the main problems was Galatasaray’s inability to create an effective plan without Victor Osimhen. The team struggled to produce dangerous attacks, lacked balance in midfield and repeatedly gave Trabzonspor space to exploit. As a result, head coach Okan Buruk became the main target of criticism.
The heavy loss before the international break appears to have forced Buruk to reconsider several of his decisions. According to reports, the coach is preparing a number of significant changes and intends to place greater emphasis on competition within the squad.
Buruk ready to change his selection policy
Okan Buruk had continued to trust several players despite their inconsistent performances. Barış Alper Yılmaz and Yunus Akgün were among the footballers who remained in the starting lineup even when their form dropped. The coach reportedly believes that this approach can no longer continue without consequences.
After the Trabzonspor defeat, Buruk is expected to give more playing time to players who have been waiting for opportunities on the bench. This could lead to a reshaped starting eleven after the international break and create a much more competitive environment inside the squad.
The coach’s objective is not simply to punish players who performed below expectations. Rather, he wants to ensure that every position has at least two realistic alternatives. Galatasaray faces a demanding schedule in both the domestic league and the Champions League, making squad depth a decisive factor.
Batrakov and Leao may receive bigger roles
Galatasaray invested heavily in Batrakov and Leao, but both players have not yet become regular figures in the team’s main rotation. The latest reports suggest that Buruk is planning to use them more frequently after the international break.
Their inclusion could give Galatasaray greater dynamism, particularly in wide areas and during transitions. The team has recently struggled to accelerate its attacks when opponents defend in a compact formation. Batrakov and Leao may offer alternative solutions through their pace, movement and ability to challenge defenders one-on-one.
More playing time would also allow the coaching staff to evaluate whether both signings can make an immediate contribution at the highest level. Galatasaray needs players capable of changing the rhythm of a match, especially when its main attacking options are unavailable or closely marked.
İ İlkay Gündoğan expected to regain Buruk’s trust
Another important decision concerns İlkay Gündoğan. The experienced midfielder has recently faced criticism from sections of the Galatasaray fan base, with questions raised about his influence and physical contribution.
Despite those concerns, Buruk is reportedly planning to continue using Gündoğan and hopes to benefit from his football intelligence. His ability to read the game, control possession and make the correct pass under pressure remains valuable for a team competing on multiple fronts.
The coach is expected to give the veteran midfielder a clearer role. Rather than demanding that Gündoğan cover excessive ground, Galatasaray may seek to position him closer to the center of the game, where his passing range and tactical awareness can have a greater impact.
The midfield balance must improve
The Trabzonspor defeat demonstrated that Galatasaray’s problems were not limited to the attacking line. The midfield was unable to control the tempo, protect the defense or respond effectively after conceding goals.
For this reason, Buruk may make structural adjustments rather than changing only individual players. A more balanced midfield could help the team avoid becoming vulnerable during transitions. Galatasaray’s full-backs often push high up the pitch, so the midfield must provide adequate cover when possession is lost.
Gündoğan’s experience could be especially useful in this area. Alongside a more energetic defensive midfielder, he could help Galatasaray build attacks without leaving large spaces behind the ball.
Osimhen’s absence remains a major issue
The team’s dependence on Osimhen has become increasingly visible. When the Nigerian striker is unavailable, Galatasaray often loses depth, physical presence and efficiency in front of goal.
Buruk now has to develop a system that does not rely on one player to solve every attacking problem. This may involve using a mobile forward, giving the wingers more responsibility or introducing a second attacking midfielder behind the striker.
The arrival of alternative players such as Batrakov and Leao could help reduce this dependence. However, their adaptation must be managed carefully. Immediate changes are necessary, but the coach will also need to maintain stability in a squad that has ambitions in Europe.
International break offers time to prepare
The international break gives Galatasaray an opportunity to work on tactical details and restore confidence. The team’s next matches will be crucial for determining whether the defeat to Trabzonspor was an isolated collapse or a sign of deeper problems.
Buruk can use the training period to test different formations, evaluate players who have been on the bench and improve defensive coordination. Set-piece organization and reactions after losing possession are also likely to be key areas of focus.
At the same time, the players returning from national-team duty must be monitored carefully. Travel, fatigue and limited training time could affect selection decisions.
Competition for places may benefit the team
One of the clearest messages from Buruk’s planned changes is that reputations will no longer guarantee a starting position. Players who have underperformed may be rotated, while those who show greater intensity in training could earn opportunities.
This approach could increase motivation throughout the squad. It would also allow Galatasaray to cope better with injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion. In a season involving both the Turkish league and the Champions League, maintaining a high level of competition is essential.
The pressure on Buruk will remain considerable, but the coach now appears ready to make decisions that were previously delayed. His “solution on the bench” may come from players who have been waiting patiently for a genuine chance.
The immediate task is to restore balance, improve the team’s response without Osimhen and make better use of the squad’s experienced and young players. If Batrakov, Leao and Gündoğan can contribute more consistently, Galatasaray may recover quickly. If not, the Trabzonspor defeat could prove to be a turning point that exposes wider issues within the champion’s squad.