Galatasaray manager sends strong message to Barcelona ahead of Champions League clash: ‘We won’t just defend’

Galatasaray manager sends strong message to Barcelona ahead of Champions League clash: ‘We won’t just defend’ Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has backed his team to take the fight to Barcelona, insisting that Hansi Flick’s side will not be allowed to dictate the Champions League encounter without a response. Barcelona travel to Istanbul on Tuesday, looking to recover from their 3-1 defeat to Sporting CP in Lisbon in their Champions League opener.  Despite acknowledging the quality and current form of the Catalan giants , Buruk believes Galatasaray can make life difficult for the visitors on home soil. The Turkish coach, a celebrated figure in Galatasaray’s history, made it clear that his team would approach the contest with confidence rather than simply focus on containing Barcelona. “We can say that Barcelona is the team in the best form in the world and everyone will point to them as the favourites, but there will also be a Galatasaray team full of belief playing against them,” he began. Buruk explains Galatasaray’s attacking approach vs Barcelona Okan Buruk has warned Barcelona ahead of their Champions League meeting. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Barcelona’s attacking quality will make them a difficult opponent to contain, but Buruk has no intention of setting his side up purely to defend.  The Galatasaray manager wants his players to show aggression and take their opportunities when they face Flick’s team. “We are Galatasaray. We are going to play on our own turf! Therefore, against any opponent, whatever formation we use, we have to be aggressive.  “Against Barcelona, ​​we won’t just defend. We will also attack,” he added. That could create an open contest in Istanbul, particularly if Barcelona look to impose their usual high-tempo football.  Gundogan backed by Buruk Barcelona are currently the most in-form team in Europe. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Buruk also addressed questions about Ilkay Gundogan , the former Barcelona midfielder who appeared unhappy after being left on the bench last week.  The Galatasaray manager defended the German international’s attitude and stressed that his place in the squad was not a reflection of any problem between them. “Ilkay always puts in the best performance in training and is ready and waiting to play. On Friday we made some attacking changes, and here too we can’t field too many players.  “In this team, everyone has a good attitude and loves the team dearly. We mustn’t misinterpret what Ilkay did. I’m very pleased with him,” he concluded. Simply put, Barcelona remain the team Buruk considers the benchmark in world football right now, but Galatasaray still intend to compete, not simply survive, when the sides meet in Istanbul. Source: Mundo Deportivo