Needing a constructive outcome to keep away from the Champions League knockout play-offs, Galatasaray should not the aspect Manchester Metropolis would select to face.
In 4 current conferences between Premier League golf equipment and the Turkish giants, Galatasaray are unbeaten. It’s essential to return to December 2014 – – for the final time an English aspect triumphed.
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In 2023, Galatasaray completed above Manchester United of their Champions League group – sending Erik ten Hag’s males packing in final place – of their most up-to-date go to to the north-west earlier than taking over Manchester Metropolis this Wednesday (20:00 GMT).
Then final season, they inflicted on eventual champions Tottenham.
Most just lately, earlier on this Champions League marketing campaign, to win 1-0 because of Victor Osimhen’s first half penalty.
So why do Cimbom – the enigmatic nickname for Turkey’s most profitable soccer membership – have such a very good document towards English groups?
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In keeping with assistant supervisor Ismael Garcia Gomez, it’s as a result of the Turkish league is essentially the most English exterior England – and Galatasaray is essentially the most English Turkish membership of all.
“I believe generally with the extra dynamic, transitional video games we face towards groups from England, we’re very used to that,” Garcia Gomez informed BBC Sport.
“The Turkish league shouldn’t be on the similar degree, however we’re extra Premier League than all different European leagues, greater than Italy and Spain the place the tempo is decrease. English groups, those we face, we really feel comfy as a result of they’re open.
“I’ve by no means had the expertise of working in English males’s soccer, however I’ve skilled it as a fan. England is for the followers, the soccer for followers is the most effective.
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“However Turkey, it has nothing to be jealous about. The ambiance created in stadiums is superb, I used to be lucky sufficient to work throughout Europe, and the eagerness right here is on the similar degree as any nation we will identify.”
‘We’re very assured’
Final week’s 3-1 defeat at Bodo/Glimt was Manchester Metropolis’s second Champions League lack of the season [Getty Images]
Hundreds of Galatasaray followers will deliver that keenness to Manchester this week.
Manchester Metropolis discover themselves in eleventh place and outdoors the highest eight on purpose distinction. They’re one among eight groups on 13 factors in a congested desk with three factors separating third from fifteenth.
Metropolis must win their last league part fixture and hope different outcomes go their technique to keep away from going by means of the knockout play-offs.
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Galatasaray in the meantime are seventeenth on 10 factors, after a run of three successive European wins – sparked by victory over Liverpool – has given technique to three winless matches.
The highest eight is realistically out of attain, however avoiding defeat will safe a play-off spot.
Like after they confronted Liverpool, Galatasaray shall be enjoying a Premier League aspect out of shape however Garcia Gomez is cautious of Metropolis’s model of play, which is atypical of most English groups.
“Their precedence is to regulate the sport, so will probably be harder,” he mentioned.
“It’ll be very totally different. Once we have been dealing with Liverpool in October it was a special second within the season. The strain is now to win three factors and possibly qualify for the subsequent spherical.
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“For them it’s similar significance to get in high eight as it’s for us to get to the subsequent spherical. In fact we’re the underdog, it’s the similar for 95% of golf equipment Metropolis face – a draw is an effective outcome. But when we’re at a very good degree we will face something, we’re very assured.”
That confidence comes from a squad of skilled Champions League campaigners. Up entrance, has six objectives in 5 European matches.
‘Sane and Gundogan have been large signings’
Ismael Garcia Gomez (proper) beforehand labored in English soccer as assistant supervisor of Arsenal ladies [Getty Images]
Galatasaray even have two key gamers who know Manchester Metropolis very properly – Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan.
Sane, who received two Premier League titles in 4 seasons with Metropolis, has performed 90 minutes in every of Galatasaray’s previous 5 Champions League video games.
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At 35, Gundogan is much less of a mainstay however affords spectacular grit and expertise to Galatasaray’s midfield. He’s again on acquainted floor, having left Metropolis for Istanbul final season following a second spell underneath Pep Guardiola.
Gundogan is a contemporary Metropolis hero, serving to them win the 2023 Champions League plus 5 English home titles.
“Sane and Gundogan have been large signings,” mentioned Garcia Gomez. “Sane, he was out of contract, and a number of groups tried to signal him – he has been among the best gamers prior to now 5 years in Europe
“Gundogan, Guardiola mentioned he’s most clever participant he coached. They’re giving us the best degree of high quality. That have on the non-football aspect helps.”
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In complete there are six former Premier League gamers within the Galatasaray first staff squad. Alongside Sane and Gundogan, are former Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez and midfielders Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina and Gabriel Sara – previously of Arsenal, Wolves and Norwich respectively.
“Premier League groups and gamers, they go well with properly in Tremendous Lig,” says Garcia Gomez. “Bodily and dynamic gamers are working properly right here.
“Sane is nice one on one, whereas Gundogan offers a number of management to his staff. For the followers it’s beautiful, I’ve associates from throughout Europe who love watching video games in Turkey.”
Whether or not Manchester Metropolis followers will love watching Galatasaray could also be one other matter.
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Watch highlights of each Champions League sport from 22:00 GMT on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport web site and app.
There can even be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.