Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk, has shed light on why he decided to substitute Victor Osimhen during their emphatic 4-1 victory over Sivasspor at RAMS Park.
Osimhen, who netted a brace in the dominant display, was taken off with 20 minutes left on the clock and replaced by Dries Mertens.
The Nigerian striker’s double took his season tally to 33 goals in all competitions, surpassing the 31-goal mark he set two seasons ago with Italian side Napoli.
Explaining his decision, Buruk stated that it was a precautionary move aimed at safeguarding the player ahead of upcoming fixtures.
“I prevented him from raising his career record (laughing). I took him out of the game early. Thinking about the next match, I wanted to reduce the risk of injury and he is on the verge of a card,” Buruk told the club’s official website.
“The players actually want to continue. He could have scored a hat-trick today. We are also fighting a separate battle to protect our players on the sidelines. That is why I may have prevented him from improving his career record.”
