Okan Buruk addresses İlkay Gündoğan playing time at Galatasaray

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has addressed the ongoing debate regarding İlkay Gündoğan’s limited playing time this season. Buruk stated that he is satisfied with Gündoğan’s training performance and attitude, noting that the player is currently competing in a position with high squad density, making it difficult to allocate sufficient minutes.

This follows social media comments from Gündoğan’s wife, Sara Gündoğan, who urged fans to direct questions regarding playing time to the coaching staff rather than the player's family. Buruk expressed support for her stance, emphasizing that families of players should be left alone and that he does not approve of the criticism directed at them.

In an effort to stabilize the team following recent performance dips, Buruk is reportedly planning tactical changes for upcoming matches, including potential lineup adjustments involving players such as Barış Alper Yılmaz, Gabriel Sara, and Leroy Sane.