Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk addressed the media ahead of tomorrow's key Champions League away match against Lille, providing team news and outlining the match's significance. Buruk confirmed that Wilfried Singo, returning from injury, will play against Lille depending on his condition.

Buruk stated, "We played well in the first halves of the two matches but could not show the same performance in the second halves." The manager pointed to the collapse against Barcelona, where they led 1-0 but conceded in the 43rd minute and lost control, as an example of the lapses that must be avoided.

ABSENCES AND EXPECTED LINEUP

Buruk confirmed that Tiago Santos is injured and will not play, while Rafael Leão was also left out of the squad. The expected starting XI features Uğurcan Çakır in goal, with a defence of Sallai, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, and Jakobs. The midfield is set to include Torreira and Lemina, with Batrakov ahead of them. Victor Osimhen is the anticipated striker, flanked by Yunus Akgün and Barış Alper Yılmaz. Osimhen is the team's top scorer this season with 6 goals in 6 appearances, leading a Galatasaray side that sits top of the Süper Lig with 19 points from 8 games.

Yunus Akgün also spoke to the press, labelling Lille a quality team. Akgün said, "Lille are a very quality team. They have good players. We will do everything to win." He praised opposing goalkeeper Berke Özer, recalling they played together in youth national teams and reached the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

THE CRITICAL FIVE MATCHES

Okan Buruk emphasised that after failing to secure a point in their first two Champions League matches, the next five games are vital for qualifying for the next round. He described the Lille match as a 'breakpoint' to move up the table. Galatasaray maintained their league leadership with a 1-0 win over Gençlerbirliği and lead the standings by 2 points over Amed. Their next league fixture is at home against 3rd-placed Fenerbahçe on October 26th, making the Lille clash a key moment in a tough schedule. Buruk said the team, like Barcelona and Arsenal, is one that plays under pressure and must press correctly to compete. The club also requested enhanced security measures from UEFA for the Lille match rather than a venue change. The match will be played on Wednesday, October 21st.

More detail at gzt.com