Former Besiktas coach Sinan Engin has taken a swipe at Galatasaray, insisting the Turkish giants look like an “ordinary team” whenever Victor Osimhen isn’t on the pitch.
Osimhen watched from the stands at RAMS Park as Gala edged a frantic 3-2 win over Gençlerbirliği, with Mauro Icardi, Baris Alper Yılmaz and İlkay Gündoğan on the scoresheet. Both sides finished with ten men, but despite the victory, Engin was far from impressed.
The Nigerian striker, who bagged a brace in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon last week, was withdrawn at half time against DR Congo after picking up a hamstring problem. He’s expected to miss around three weeks, returning just before AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Speaking on Turkish media after the match, Engin claimed Gala’s attacking spark was missing without their marquee forward.
“Galatasaray were not attractive to watch,” he said. “Without Osimhen, they look like a very normal team. Look at the Liverpool and Bodø games. In the first half tonight, Galatasaray fans was pessimistic.”
He also suggested the side is suffering from fatigue and an ongoing injury crisis, with key men like Lemina and Singo sidelined. “There’s something strange about the injuries. They are the strongest players and they are injured. Galatasaray needs to find a solution. They should transfer in January,” he added.
Engin then contrasted Osimhen’s attitude with Besiktas star Rafa Silva, who reportedly refused to feature in a clash against Fenerbahce weeks earlier.
“Osimhen must play for Galatasaray. If he did what Rafa Silva did, Gala would lose the championship. Massive disrespect from Rafa Silva. Osimhen doesn’t have such behaviour. Rafa should follow Osimhen’s example,” he concluded.
With Osimhen sidelined and Gala still pushing for the Super Lig crown, Buruk’s side may need to navigate a tricky spell without their biggest weapon and January could now be busier than planned.
