Galatasaray flew into England to face Manchester United a little later than expected. Their manager has explained why.
Ahead of tonight’s Champions League game, Galatasaray had an opportunity to train at Old Trafford. They chose not to.
Instead they elected to train in Turkey, before flying into Manchester later on and holding their pre-match press conference.
Manager Okan Buruk explained, via Milliyet, that he feared giving Manchester United an advantage.
Buruk explains Old Trafford decision
Speaking to Manchester United newspaper Milliyet that he believes training at Old Trafford would give the Red Devils an advantage.
Buruk said: “We cannot do tactical training in the stadium we go to. There are cameras everywhere, you can watch it later. All teams in Europe do this.”
Galatasaray are in a good moment and do not want to do anything they are uncomfortable with. After drawing their first Turkish Super Lig game of the season, they have won six straight games.
They drew the opening Champions League group stage game 2-2 against Copenhagen, and need points on the board ahead of a double-header against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United need all the possible help right now
Buruk’s claims may sound like paranoia, but he is entitled to do what he believes is the best for his team and makes Galatasaray most comfortable.
Getting to train at Old Trafford can help opposing teams familiarise themselves with the stadium before the match, but in their case, several of their former Premier League contingent, including Wilfried Zaha, have played at the stadium before.
United have lost two out of the last three home games, a surprising tail-off in form after previously going 31 matches unbeaten at home in all competitions.
Only a victory will feel like a good result for United, after losing the first group game 4-3 away at Bayern Munich.
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