Okan Buruk says Batrakov took a beating

Galatasaray defeated German side Stuttgart 2-0 at RAMS Park in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League. Head coach Okan Buruk, speaking at the press conference after the match, drew attention to the opponent's attacking strength. Buruk noted that Galatasaray had reached 6 points and said Stuttgart's average height of 1.86 and their physical power were evident throughout the match.

Buruk also spoke about Russian player Aleksey Batrakov. The coach said Batrakov had played very well, but that the player became very tired and took blows to his foot and head. Buruk argued that the referee allowed this too much and that the opponent committed very rough fouls in certain areas. He said Batrakov's performance dropped in the second half because he was both exhausted and had taken many blows.

In his assessment of the remaining 4 Champions League matches, Buruk said that if they win them, they dream of finishing in the top 8 and top 16, while their main goal is to secure a place in the top 24. Reminding that their next match is against Aston Villa at their home ground, Buruk described the away game at Paris Saint-Germain as the toughest match.

On the league, Buruk said that rivals dropping points does not change anything, and that the closest team to them is Amedspor, followed by Trabzonspor. He said they want to pursue both targets equally and that the squad has enough players to do so.