Selçuk İnan has evaluated Galatasaray's early-season performance and young squad structure in an interview with Hürriyet Spor. İnan shared the team's development over the initial four weeks and the motivation they drew from the European champion Women's National Volleyball Team.
The team currently sits at the top of the Süper Lig standings. With three wins and one draw from four matches, Galatasaray leads with 10 points. They hold a one-point advantage over Beşiktaş, having scored 12 goals and conceded 6 for a +6 goal difference. The team is in WWWD form and will next face 9th-placed Rizespor at home on December 6, 2026. The full schedule is available on the club's fixtures page.
How has the team performed over four weeks?
Selçuk İnan analyzed the team's performance across the first four weeks of the season. He highlighted the integration process of the new squad assembled after the transfer period. İnan stated, "Bunları oyuncularımızla paylaştık" (We shared these with our players), referring to internal team assessments. He emphasized the effort shown by Galatasaray, which is operating with a lower budget and a younger squad compared to last season.
The leadership position demonstrates the team's early stability. However, injuries are also a concern; El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Mario Lemina, Victor Osimhen, and Wilfried Singo are currently sidelined. All details are on the current injuries list. This situation places greater responsibility on the younger players.
How did they draw inspiration from European champions?
In his remarks, İnan made a special reference to the European champion Women's National Volleyball Team. He stated that this team's success and fighting spirit served as a source of motivation for his own players. He expressed that this inspiration from a different sport constituted a valuable example shared in the team room.
He indicated that Galatasaray, much like the national volleyball team, must use its available resources in the most efficient way possible. He believes the young squad has much to learn from such success stories.
Why will the Samsunspor match be emotional?
Ahead of the Galatasaray - Samsunspor match to be played at Kocaeli Stadium, İnan declared, "Duygusal bir maç olacak!" (It will be an emotional match!). This statement likely references past memories or the special significance of the host city. The match will present an important opportunity for the team to stays in the league.
As visible on the standings page, Galatasaray needs every point to maintain its top spot. Opponent Samsunspor is known as a tough away fixture. The emotional atmosphere highlighted by İnan could help players find extra motivation on the pitch.
What does the young squad and budget mean?
Having a younger squad than last season represents both a risk and an opportunity for Galatasaray. Selçuk İnan emphasized the development and adaptation process of these young players. He implied that working with a more constrained budget requires smart use of resources.
This approach points to a long-term project. The club likely aims to develop young talents and increase their value. The team's current squad structure is a reflection of this policy. Finding the right balance between experienced names and youngsters will require a careful balancing act throughout the season.
Galatasaray's next official match is against Rizespor at Nef Stadium on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
