Arjun Menon
Why Galatasaray unsettle English sides
Manchester City would have picked almost any other opponent. Needing a positive result to dodge the Champions League knockout play-offs, Galatasaray arrive with an unbeaten record against Premier League clubs in the last decade.
The last English win came in December 2014 a 4-1 Arsenal victory in Istanbul. Since then, Galatasaray have drawn with Manchester United, beaten Liverpool, and held Tottenham to their only Europa League group defeat of last season.
This Wednesday (20:00 GMT) they face Manchester City at the Etihad, a side they drew 3-3 with in Turkey earlier this campaign.
The Turkish league’s English rhythm
Assistant manager Ismael Garcia Gomez believes the Süper Lig is the closest thing to the Premier League outside England and Galatasaray are its most English club.
“Sometimes the dynamic, transitional games we face against English teams feel familiar. The Turkish league isn’t at the same level, but it’s more Premier League than Italy or Spain where the tempo is lower. English sides are open we feel comfortable.”
Gomez, who has worked across Europe, insists the passion in Turkish stadiums rivals anywhere. Thousands of Galatasaray fans will bring that energy to Manchester this week.
City’s form and the congested table
A shock loss at Bodø/Glimt left Manchester City 11th, outside the top eight on goal difference. Eight teams sit on 13 points, with just three separating third from 15th. A win is essential to avoid the play-offs.
Galatasaray, 17th with 10 points, have stumbled after a three-game winning streak. The top eight is out of reach, but a draw secures a play-off spot.
Key players who know City inside out
Victor Osimhen has six goals in five European games this season. But the real advantage may lie in two former Manchester City stars Leroy Sané and İlkay Gündoğan.
Sané, a two-time Premier League winner, has played every minute of Galatasaray’s last five Champions League matches. Gündoğan, 35, offers experience and grit, having left City for Istanbul last summer after winning the Champions League and five domestic titles under Pep Guardiola.
“Sané and Gündoğan have been massive. Sané was out of contract many clubs wanted him. Gündoğan? Guardiola called him the most intelligent player he’s coached. Their quality is elite, and their experience helps off the pitch too.”
Six former Premier League players now grace Galatasaray’s squad, including ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez and midfielders Lucas Torreira (Arsenal), Mario Lemina (Wolves), and Gabriel Sara (Norwich).
“Premier League players thrive here. The league suits physical, dynamic football. Sané excels one-on-one, while Gündoğan controls the game. Fans across Europe love watching Turkish football.”
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