Squad Decision from Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk Ahead of Kocaelispor Match
Following the defeat in Europe and the start of preparations for the Süper Lig, the tactical plans of the coaching staff for the starting 11 are becoming clear.
Having lost to Sporting in the UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray continues its preparations for the match against Kocaelispor at home in the fifth week of the Süper Lig. Head coach Okan Buruk is expected to make some mandatory and tactical changes to the starting 11 ahead of this encounter.
Süper Lig Work After European Defeat
Facing Sporting away in the opening week of the UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray had left the field with a 3-1 defeat. Experiencing disappointment by failing to secure points in Europe, the yellow-red team focused entirely on their struggle in the Süper Lig following this result.
Expected Changes in the Defense Line
Eren Elmalı, who played at left-back in the Sporting Lisbon match, had delivered a performance below expectations. With Abdülkerim Bardakcı returning to the starting 11, Jakobs is anticipated to move back to the left-back position, and Eren Elmalı is projected to be benched.
Leao Steps Into the Starting 11
Leao, who came on as a substitute in the Başakşehir and Sporting matches, continues to adapt to the team. The coaching staff, failing to get the desired efficiency from the wing players, aims to overcome this issue with the Portuguese star. Leao is expected to get a chance in the starting 11 for the first time with the Kocaelispor match.
Deniz Gül Jersey in the Center-Forward Position
Experiencing troubles in the offensive line in the absence of Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray is also preparing for a change in the center-forward region. While a chance in the starting 11 is emerging for Deniz Gül, who joined the squad in the final days of the transfer window, the inability to get the desired efficiency from Barış Alper Yılmaz was effective in this decision.