Okan Buruk calls Barça ‘the most in-form team in the world’

“Barça are the most in-form team in the world,” Okan Buruk said. The Galatasaray coach discussed Barcelona’s play ahead of their Champions League meeting on Tuesday, highlighting his opponent’s attacking threat and winning mentality.

Buruk described a side that scores freely and has strengthened through its signings. “We know how good they are, and knowing our opponent gives us an advantage in preparing,” he said, while noting that Champions League matches are difficult. Barcelona also have weaknesses, in his view: although they do not give up possession easily, they concede chances.

The Turkish coach is counting on home advantage to lift his players. He wants Galatasaray to make life difficult for Barça and turn the stadium, with the support of the crowd, into a positive setting for his team. Whatever system they use, he said, they must be aggressive, keep a clean sheet and score. Buruk also stressed the need to avoid mistakes: Barcelona, he warned, can punish them.

The coach said Singo was the only player unavailable and that the rest of the squad was complete. He also referred to the four days of rest between matches, adding that players recover physically faster after a win. Although he considers motivation for the European fixture to be high already, he wants his team to stay focused and give its best.

Buruk also said he was satisfied with Gündogan’s performance. He defended İlkay over a situation involving his playing time, pointing out that players have emotions and are not robots. “There’s no need to dwell on it,” he concluded.