Okan Buruk: The Stuttgart Match Will Be Tough, We Have a Full Squad

Galatasaray's Okan Buruk and Ismail Jakobs made statements ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Stuttgart. Buruk said the opponent is a team that presses man-to-man across the full pitch, adding that the match will test them both physically and mentally.

Buruk said he cannot choose his position, but he can play at left-back and left centre-back, and he is ready wherever the coach needs him. He added that his relationship with Eren Elmalı is good, that both of them have performed well, and that they wish each other success for the team.

Jakobs said the coach's achievements speak for themselves. Recalling his statement to the German press, Jakobs said Okan Buruk has gone down in Galatasaray history and that this is being experienced live today. He added that Buruk's value will be better understood after he leaves the club, but that he hopes this will not happen soon.

Buruk noted that Stuttgart beat Leverkusen, but that the match could have ended 6-6, and that although the opponent is strong in attack, it gives away chances at the back. He said Stuttgart, who have five league defeats, rose to nine points by winning their last match and are in good shape with seven points in the Champions League. He said one of the reasons the opponent switched to a back three in its last match may be that right-back Vagnoman was absent, and that Stiller's absence is an advantage for Galatasaray.

Buruk said his squad is complete and in form, and that they did not go into the Barcelona match last season physically well, but this time they are more prepared. Reminding that the away win at Lille was an important result, Buruk said that winning against Stuttgart would put them among the contenders to climb higher, with 6 points more.