Victor Osimhen has taken on a leadership role at Galatasaray by holding a special team meeting alongside senior teammates ahead of their crucial UEFA Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv, Soccernet.football reports.
The Nigerian striker, together with Fernando Muslera, Lucas Torreira, and Dries Mertens, spearheaded an intense locker room discussion following Galatasaray’s frustrating 2-2 draw against Hatayspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.
According to reports from Turkish outlet Nexus Sports, the meeting was a no-holds-barred wake-up call.
Osimhen and the senior players reportedly told the squad: “We have no right to play so badly. We must recover as soon as possible.”
Osimhen scored Galatasaray’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with Hatayspor, a scenario which ended Galatasaray’s winning streak away from home. The draw also highlighted several issues in the Galatasaray first team.
Barış Alper Yılmaz came under fire for missed chances, while referee Cihad Aydın’s controversial decisions added to the frustration.
Despite the setback, Galatasaray remain the only unbeaten team in the Turkish Süper Lig this season, with three draws among their results.
The Istanbul giants now turn their attention to securing victory against Dynamo Kyiv.
A win would confirm their automatic qualification to the next round of the Europa League, a priority for manager Okan Buruk as his side navigates a challenging fixture schedule.
Reigning champions Galatasaray currently sit top of the Süper Lig standings, with bitter rivals Fenerbahçe closing the gap to six points.
The match against Dynamo Kyiv, set for January 21 in Istanbul, is an opportunity for Galatasaray to return to winning ways.
The team will hope Osimhen’s rallying cry serves as the catalyst for a turnaround in their performances as they aim to keep their Europa League campaign alive and thriving.