Hyeon-Gyu Oh determined to end his goal drought
Beşiktaş’s winter signing Hyeon-Gyu Oh is pushing himself to the limit in training as he targets a return to the scoresheet in the away match against Gençlerbirliği. After a painful derby defeat and two consecutive games without a goal contribution, the South Korean striker is focused on breaking his silence and getting back to the explosive form he showed when he first arrived in Istanbul.
Brought in during the January transfer window for a fee of 14 million euros, Oh immediately justified the expectations placed on him. In his first six appearances for Beşiktaş, he produced 4 goals and 1 assist, quickly becoming one of the most effective players in the squad. His aggressive pressing, intelligent runs in behind and clinical finishing turned him into a key figure in the team’s attacking plans.
However, the last two matches have told a different story. Against Kocaelispor and, more notably, in the high-pressure derby with Galatasaray, Oh was unable to either score or assist. For a forward who set the bar so high right from the start, this mini-drought has been a source of frustration. The defeat in the derby, combined with his lack of direct contribution on the scoresheet, has reportedly hit him hard on a psychological level.
In response, Oh has not withdrawn or looked for excuses. Instead, he has stayed on the pitch after regular sessions, devoting extra time to finishing drills, timing of runs, and one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper. Coaches describe him as fully committed, focusing especially on his first touch in the box and his composure in critical moments. The intention is clear: he wants to be ready to make the difference at the first opportunity.
The upcoming trip to the capital to face Gençlerbirliği has now become a personal turning point for the South Korean forward. Oh is determined to use this match to reconnect with his earlier rhythm, regain his confidence and show once again why the club invested so heavily in him. For him, it is not just another league game but a chance to turn page after the derby disappointment.
Beşiktaş’s technical staff still see Oh as central to their attacking structure. Even in matches where he does not score, his constant movement drags defenders out of position and opens spaces for midfielders and wingers. Yet the coaching team is also aware that forwards live off goals, and that a quick return to scoring form will help both the player and the team to stabilize in the crucial phase of the season.
Inside the dressing room, Oh is known as calm and disciplined, but the inner pressure of a top-level striker is something he feels strongly. Coming from a football culture where hard work and responsibility are emphasized, he is particularly sensitive to the idea of “letting the team down” when he is not on the scoresheet. Those close to the squad say that the derby loss has sharpened his sense of duty rather than breaking his spirit.
From a tactical standpoint, the Gençlerbirliği match could suit Oh’s qualities. The home side often leaves space behind the defensive line when building from the back, which aligns perfectly with the South Korean’s ability to attack channels and exploit gaps between centre-backs. Beşiktaş’s coaching staff are believed to be planning to feed him with early balls in transition, hoping to catch the opponent’s defense unbalanced.
Another key aspect for Oh will be his involvement in the pressing game. In previous matches, his intensity without the ball helped Beşiktaş win possession high up the pitch, leading directly to chances. Regaining this aggressive edge could be as important as scoring itself. A strong defensive performance from the first line of pressure often gives strikers the rhythm and confidence they need in attack.
Mentally, Gençlerbirliği away is an ideal stage to start fresh. It lacks the suffocating tension of a derby, yet it is still a challenging fixture where an away goal can carry significant weight. A decisive performance from Oh would not only boost his morale but also help cool down the criticism always waiting around big clubs after high-profile defeats.
The expectations of the fans remain high, especially considering the 14 million euro investment and the electric opening run of 4 goals and 1 assist in 6 games. Supporters have already had a glimpse of what Oh can do when he is in full flow: quick combinations, sharp finishes and a physical presence that unsettles defenders. What they want now is consistency – and a strong reaction to adversity.
For the player himself, this short barren spell is also an opportunity for growth. Many top strikers in Europe stress that learning how to handle two or three games without scoring is part of becoming truly elite. Oh is currently facing that test. His extra hours with the coaching staff, his focus on details in training and his determination to turn frustration into fuel all suggest he is taking the right path.
The immediate goal, though, is straightforward: find the net in Ankara. One goal can be enough to lift the weight off his shoulders, restore his natural instinct and set him up for another productive stretch. After the disappointment of the derby and two quiet performances, Hyeon-Gyu Oh is heading into the Gençlerbirliği clash with a clear mission – to break his silence and once again become the decisive weapon Beşiktaş needs up front.