Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has reprimanded his players for focusing too heavily on their upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool, despite securing a vital 1-0 derby win over Besiktas.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk criticized his squad’s focus following a narrow victory over Besiktas, claiming players were distracted by Tuesday’s Champions League tie.
Despite a Victor Osimhen goal securing the win, Buruk noted, “They were all talking about the Liverpool match before the derby.”
He emphasized that while a win prepares them, the team must respect the domestic challenge before facing elite European opposition.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is anticipating a hostile environment as the Reds return to Istanbul.
Reflecting on a recent FA Cup win, he joked that “our ears will be tested again” by the notoriously loud Turkish supporters.
Liverpool previously lost 1-0 at Rams Park in September and will be looking to overcome the atmosphere to secure a crucial first-leg advantage.