Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has moved to clarify his recent comments about playing time following his team's 1-0 away victory over Genclerbirligi in the eighth round of the Turkish Super Lig.
Speaking after the match, Gundogan assessed Galatasaray's uneven performance and explained that his previous remarks had been misunderstood, addressing questions about his readiness and role under coach Okan Buruk.
First-half struggles and second-half improvement
Gundogan identified problems with Galatasaray's first-half performance, pointing to weak passing connections and excessive space in the middle of the pitch.
He also noted that the playing surface made winning second balls difficult, while acknowledging the opposition's quality.
"We did not play particularly well in the first half. We could not produce the performance we wanted.
Our link-up play was poor," Gundogan said.
"There was too much space in the middle of the pitch. It was also not easy to win every second ball on this surface.
Ultimately, our opponents are good, too."
The midfielder said Galatasaray adopted a calmer and simpler approach after the break.
He sought to use his experience to help teammates maintain their positions, connect their play, and create opportunities through passing.
"In the second half, we played a little more simply and calmly. I wanted to help my teammates with my experience.
I wanted to hold my position, establish link-up play, and supply my teammates with good passes," Gundogan said.
Galatasaray eventually found the winning goal after creating several opportunities during the final 25 minutes.
Gundogan credited the team's continued pressure and improved ability to recover loose balls, while acknowledging that a goalkeeper's mistake contributed to the goal.
"Thankfully, we finally scored, even though there was a goalkeeper error. We created many chances in the final 25 minutes.
We won the second balls. We maintained the pressure, and that brought us the goal," Gundogan said.
He also stressed that the team needed to examine its first-half shortcomings and the chances Genclerbirligi created, despite earning all three points.
"We know we deserved the three points based on our second-half performance, but we must not forget the first half and the chances Genclerbirligi created.
We need to analyze them carefully. Every match is difficult, and every match requires a fight.
We are happy with the three points, but we must quickly learn the lessons from this game," Gundogan said.
Addressing questions about earlier remarks and Buruk's comments on the matter, Gundogan said his words had been misunderstood.
He explained that he remained committed to training and wanted to play regardless of whether a match was at home or away.
"There was a misunderstanding there.
If I were not ready and did not prove myself in every training session, I would not be included in the match squad, and it would be wrong for me to be included.
Wherever the match is, home or away, I will go to every game, whether I play or not.
We are footballers, too, and we want to play. I have not had much playing time for a long time.
I am trying not to let it affect my morale," Gundogan said.
Gundogan added that he first evaluates his own performances and respects the coach's decisions.
He also emphasized his long-standing preparation for matches and willingness to contribute whenever the team needs him.
"I always look at myself in the mirror first. After that, it is the coach's decision, and I always respect it.
For 18 years, I have prepared for every match in the best possible way.
If the team needs me, I will gladly help this club and my teammates," Gundogan said.
