Galatasaray's assistant coach, İrfan Saraloğlu, has shed light on why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was given limited playing time in their recent 3-1 win over Kasimpasa. Osimhen returned to action at Rams Park after recovering from an injury sustained during Galatasaray's 3-2 win over Istanbul Başakşehir in September. He came off the bench with 13 minutes remaining, replacing Deniz Gul as the Turkish champions pushed to secure all three points.
Despite his brief appearance, Osimhen made an immediate impact by providing an assist for Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina, who scored Galatasaray's third goal in the closing stages. The team's approach changed after Lucas Torreira was sent off shortly after the hour mark, forcing Galatasaray to retreat and adjust their defensive shape. This change in strategy was crucial in managing the remainder of the game.
Saraloğlu revealed that the team's balance was disrupted after the red card, and they had to adjust their game plan. He mentioned that Sanchez was out of the game when the goal came, and they scored from that gap. The assistant coach's comments provide insight into the team's decision-making process during the match.
The late introduction of Osimhen was a deliberate decision, with the club keen to manage his workload after his spell on the sidelines and avoid risking another setback. Saraloğlu emphasized that Osimhen had just come back from injury, and they had to protect him. This cautious approach is understandable, given Osimhen's importance to the team.
Osimhen will be encouraged by his productive return, having contributed directly to a goal despite playing only the final 13 minutes of the encounter. The former Napoli striker had made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign before his injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists across four matches.
With his fitness gradually being managed, Osimhen will now look to regain full match sharpness and build on his early-season form as Galatasaray continue their campaign. The team's strategy in managing Osimhen's playing time will be crucial in ensuring his long-term fitness and success with the club.
Galatasaray's win over Kasimpasa was a significant result, and Osimhen's contribution will be a boost to the team's morale. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see Osimhen in action, and the coaching staff will need to balance his playing time with the need to protect him from further injury.
Key points
- Galatasaray's assistant coach, İrfan Saraloğlu, explains that Victor Osimhen's limited playing time was a deliberate decision to manage his workload after his injury.
- Osimhen made an immediate impact on his return, providing an assist for Mario Lemina's goal in the 3-1 win over Kasimpasa.
- The team's strategy in managing Osimhen's playing time will be crucial in ensuring his long-term fitness and success with the club.
