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2026-09-23 10:22 UTC → 2026-09-26 07:17 UTC ·
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Galatasaray faces pitch risks and Trabzonspor club developments internal tensions
Following Galatasaray continues to face scrutiny following a 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor, Galatasaray is facing intense scrutiny regarding its squad planning with focus shifting toward logistical risks and technical management. Critics internal friction. Concerns have highlighted emerged regarding the playing surface at Rams Park; experts warn that attempting to install hybrid grass in just 15 days for the October 13 Champions League match against Barcelona poses a lack of readiness among high-profile signings, including Aleksei Batrakov, Rafael Leao, and Lesley Ugochukwu. Technical director “significant risk” to the pitch. Internal tensions are also mounting. Reports suggest friction between manager Okan Buruk has specifically come under fire for tactical decisions, such as leaving Batrakov on the bench and failing player İlkay Gündoğan, stemming from technical instructions. Due to address the lack of limited playing time, Gündoğan may be seeking a natural right-back. Further analysis transfer to a club in Saudi Arabia. These personnel issues follow criticism of Galatasaray’s the club’s summer transfer window reveals that the club spent strategy. Despite spending over 78 million euros on five key players: players—including Rafael Leao (38 million euros), Aleksey Batrakov (25 million euros), and Deniz Gül (10 million euros), Lesley Ugochukwu, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu. Despite these investments, these players have euros)—the group has yet to record a goal in their initial the Süper Lig and or UEFA Champions League appearances, with League. Batrakov providing remains the only one player to provide a direct contribution with a single assist. Batrakov has previously noted the challenges difficulty of adapting to Istanbul and the high level of public attention in Turkey following his 15-year tenure Istanbul after 15 years at Lokomotiv Moscow. In contrast, Trabzonspor’s coach Thomas Reis was praised for his squad preparation during his debut match. Additionally, Meanwhile, Trabzonspor is remains active in the market, reportedly targeting Portuguese midfielder Gedson Fernandes from Spartak Moscow to strengthen their roster during the mid-season transfer window.