Galatasaray vs Juventus – Buruk warns his side: ‘Yildiz & co. very strong, it won’t be easy’

Okan Buruk has urged Galatasaray not to assume their place in the Champions League quarter-finals is already secured, despite his side carrying a commanding 5-2 aggregate lead into Tuesday’s second leg at the Allianz Stadium.

The Turkish coach, who played in Italy during the 2002/03 season and retains fond memories of the country, was in a reflective mood ahead of what promises to be a charged atmosphere in Turin. But sentiment aside, his message to his players was clear, complacency is the enemy.

“We haven’t gone through yet,” Buruk said plainly, with quotes via TuttoSport.

“We feel the same enthusiasm as the first game and we must take to the pitch with the same desire to win. Juventus is an important club and they will have the backing of their supporters, we cannot think we are already in the next round.”

On the tactical approach, Buruk was equally straightforward, insisting there is no need for wholesale changes.

“We don’t need to do many things differently from the first game,” he said.

“We need enthusiasm, dedication and concentration. If you rely too heavily on the first-leg result, you will find the second leg more difficult.”

Galatasaray coach Buruk warns against underestimating Juventus

He also warned against underestimating a Juventus side desperate to turn their form around on home soil.

“They have strong players: Yildiz, Conceição, David,” he said.

“They didn’t play very well in the first game but now they are at home. Spalletti is a great coach. We are not relaxed, we need to be even stronger than in the first match.”

Buruk drew a personal parallel with Juventus’ current difficulties, suggesting the adversity his own squad have navigated over recent years has been key to their growth.

“The reason we have consolidated our strength,” he concluded, “is the confidence that excellent result gave us.”