“‘Galatasaray, like the Chicago Bulls...’ Okan Buruk’s assistant Gómez shares explosive remarks: 'There was no need for Mourinho'
25 May 2025, Sunday 11:51Last Update:
Galatasaray, having first won the Turkish Cup and then the Süper Lig, secured their third consecutive and 25th overall championship, reaching their 5th star.
THE CUP IN YENİKAPI
The yellow-reds will receive their trophy in Yenikapı after a challenging season. On the night featuring performances by famous artists, TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu will present the cup to Galatasaray.
Galatasaray’s victory has also resonated widely in the European press, and Okan Buruk’s Spanish assistant, Ismael García Gómez, spoke to Marca and made a striking confession. Here are Gómez’s statements:
"We had a fantastic week. It started very well; we won the cup that hadn’t been won since 2018. Additionally, unlike last season, we won the league at home and celebrated it in front of our fans."
MOURINHO CONFESSION
"The challenges were already very high, but Mourinho's arrival further increased media attention. We experienced unexpected moments in sports, but this season we overcame them in the best way. This is thanks to the team’s quality both on and off the field. Turkey is already a tense environment; Mourinho wasn’t necessary. In any case, Galatasaray’s ambition is always to win the league, and this season that is even more important. This is the 25th championship, which means adding the fifth star to the jersey."
“The record is four championships, but Okan Buruk has created a dynasty similar to the NBA’s ‘three-peat,’ meaning three consecutive championships. I compare this to Jordan’s Chicago Bulls; they won six championships, achieved two ‘three-peats,’ but never won four titles in a row. That is our goal — we must be ambitious.”
OKAN BURUK CLAIM
“I am sure that one day he will coach in one of Europe’s big leagues. I don’t know when, but it will happen. Many clubs are already impressed by the coaching profile he manages. However, I see him very committed to Galatasaray at the moment. Stability is hard to achieve in Turkey, and Buruk has succeeded in that.”
ICARDI AND OSIMHEN COMMENTS
"Icardi’s injury was the biggest setback of the season. Osimhen is a world-class elite player. He led Napoli to the championship in Italy. I experienced him when he was at Udinese. His loan contract is ending, and he has the option to stay here, but he has earned the right to be in control of his own future."
'NO NEED TO TALK ABOUT MORATA'
"There’s no need to describe him in terms of football skills. What can be said about the captain of Spain? What impressed me the most is his humanity—his ability to adapt to the team and his constant humility in serving the squad."
'MUSLERA IS THE TEAM LEADER'
"He is the captain, the leader of the team, the foreign player with the most appearances in the league, and the player with the most trophies in Turkey. What more could we ask for?"
