Victor Osimhen was sorely missed as Galatasaray stumbled to a frustrating draw against Kocaelispor, with manager Okan Buruk admitting his side lacked cutting edge in attack.
The Turkish champions struggled to impose themselves going forward without their talismanic striker, producing a blunt display that underlined just how central Osimhen has become to their system.
Buruk did not hide his disappointment after the match, pointing to his team’s inability to create meaningful chances in the Nigerian’s absence. Galatasaray managed very little attacking threat across the game, registering only a handful of efforts on goal in a performance that fell well below their usual standard.
The result adds to a growing concern for the Istanbul giants whenever Osimhen is unavailable. The forward has been the focal point of Buruk’s attacking setup, with his movement, pressing and finishing providing the spark that drives the team. Without him, Galatasaray have looked predictable and far easier to contain.
Osimhen’s influence this season has been undeniable. The Nigerian international has delivered goals and assists consistently, emerging as both the club’s leading scorer and a key creative outlet in the final third. His absence, therefore, leaves a significant void that players like Mauro Icardi have struggled to fill in terms of intensity and overall impact.
The dropped points could prove costly in the title race, with pressure already mounting on Buruk amid a run of inconsistent results. Reports in Turkey suggest expectations remain high, and failure to maintain momentum in crucial fixtures could have serious consequences for the manager.
For Galatasaray, the message is becoming increasingly clear. If they are to sustain their push domestically and in Europe, getting Osimhen back fit and firing is not just important, it may be decisive.
