Okan Buruk's Statement on Abdülkerim Bardakcı Before Sporting Lisbon Match

Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk held a press conference at the Jose Alvalade Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon, responding to claims about Abdülkerim Bardakcı's injury and announcing that the player is fit to play.

Sporting Lisbon Match Evaluation

Stating that they will play against a very good team, Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk expressed that the opponent played in the quarterfinals last season and has not lost a home match in the Champions League except for the Arsenal game.

Saying that there have been some changes in the squad and important names have been lost, Buruk emphasized that they will face a strong opponent with quality players who can fill their shoes.

Statement on Abdülkerim Bardakcı

Addressing the claims that the footballer was injured during the press conference, Okan Buruk stated that he did not know where these reports came from and clearly stated that Abdülkerim Bardakcı is in a condition to play.

Past Memories and Sporting Parentheses

Stating that he also had a share in Sporting Lisbon becoming champions after 19 years, the manager recalled that after they defeated the team 4-1, there was a coaching change and Ruben Amorim arrived to reach the championship.

Deniz Gül Transfer and Status

Stating that Deniz Gül is a young and national player, Buruk conveyed that playing in Porto is an important experience and that he is a name they admire from the national team.

Expressing that the player wanted Galatasaray very much, the head coach noted that they are trying to prepare him and bring him to the team level, that they subbed him into the game in the last league match, and that they are considering utilizing him in tomorrow's match as well.