Galatasaray coach criticizes Ziyech and Zaha after heavy defeat to Besiktas

Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, has publicly criticized the performances of his players following their humiliating 5-0 defeat to Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup.Buruk singled out Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech and Ivorian forward Wilfried Zaha for their underwhelming displays in what was Galatasaray’s first official match of the 2024-25 season.

The Turkish champions, who entered the match with a mixed pre-season record of two wins and three losses, were handed a harsh reality check by their rivals.

Besiktas dominated the game, scoring five goals, including two in quick succession during stoppage time (90+1, 90+2), leaving Galatasaray with much to ponder as they look ahead to the new season.

Underwhelming Performances from Key Wingers

In his post-match press conference, Buruk did not hold back in his assessment of the game.

He expressed particular disappointment with the contributions of Ziyech and Zaha, who were both expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s attacking setup.

“We struggle to produce play with Ziyech and Zaha on the wings. Their performance was insufficient, as was that of their teammates.

We clearly did not play well,” Buruk stated, highlighting the ineffectiveness of his wingers in creating offensive opportunities.

Ziyech, who recently secured a permanent move to Galatasaray following a successful loan spell last season, failed to make an impact on the right flank.

Despite his impressive international record with 62 caps and 23 goals for Morocco, Ziyech was unable to influence the game and was substituted after the second Besiktas goal in the 53rd minute.

Similarly, Zaha, who came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes, did not fare any better.

The Ivorian, brought in with high expectations, struggled to make a significant contribution in the closing stages of the match.

A Need for Immediate Improvement

The heavy defeat has raised concerns among Galatasaray supporters and management alike.

The lack of cohesion and effectiveness on the wings, as highlighted by Buruk, suggests that there is considerable work to be done if the team is to compete effectively this season.

The next challenge for Galatasaray comes quickly, as they prepare to face Hatayspor in their Süper Lig opener on Friday.

Both Ziyech and Zaha are expected to feature in that match, and they will be under intense scrutiny to deliver performances that justify their roles in the squad.

This early setback is a stark reminder for the Turkish champions that maintaining their title will require significant improvements, particularly from key players like Ziyech and Zaha.

Buruk’s candid criticism serves as a clear message that mediocrity will not be tolerated as the team aims to bounce back from this early-season disappointment.

As Galatasaray regroups and refocuses, all eyes will be on how Buruk and his squad respond to this adversity.

The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether this defeat was merely a blip or indicative of deeper issues that need to be addressed.