Galatasaray’s struggles in the absence of Victor Osimhen have drawn sharp criticism from club insider Ali Naci Küçük, who blames the team’s lack of tactical preparation for their recent dip in form. The Nigerian striker, who joined Galatasaray permanently in the summer, suffered a fractured arm during the UEFA Champions League second-leg match against Liverpool at Anfield, sidelining him for key fixtures. Since his injury, Galatasaray have won only one of their last three league games—against Trabzonspor, Göztepe, and Kocaelispor—raising concerns over their ability to perform without their star forward.
Küçük, speaking on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, argued that head coach Okan Buruk failed to develop a viable strategy for when Osimhen was unavailable. “The only mistake Okan Buruk made this season was not creating a plan without Osimhen,” he stated via Habersarikirmizi. He pointed out that Mauro Icardi, the player brought in as a replacement, does not offer the same qualities as the Nigerian forward, making it difficult for the team to adapt. “When Osimhen wasn’t there, Galatasaray lost the Super Cup and suffered three away defeats in the league,” Küçük added, emphasizing the team’s over-reliance on one player.
The criticism has intensified pressure on Buruk, with some fans questioning his tactical flexibility and decision-making. However, Küçük also cautioned against overstating Osimhen’s role, saying, “It’s not right for Galatasaray to be so dependent on one player. However, it’s also not right to say ‘Osimhen is making Okan Buruk champions’.” This balanced perspective highlights the need for both player and coach to share responsibility for the team’s performance.
Despite the recent setbacks, Galatasaray received positive news ahead of their upcoming league match against Gençlerbirliği. Osimhen has travelled with the squad to Ankara, signaling his potential return to action. His presence could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s attacking options. This season, Osimhen has been instrumental, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 19 league appearances, underscoring his value to Galatasaray’s offensive structure.
As the team prepares for crucial matches, the return of Osimhen may offer a turning point. His absence has exposed vulnerabilities in the squad, and his comeback will be closely watched to see if Galatasaray can regain their winning momentum. The challenge now is for the club to build a more balanced and resilient team, reducing dependency on individual performances while maintaining their competitive edge in the Turkish Süper Lig.
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