Osimhen: ‘Knee is fine, Galatasaray will take the fight to Juventus’
Victor Osimhen gives an update on his knee injury and warns Galatasaray will ‘take the fight’ to Juventus despite their 5-2 Champions League play-off advantage. ‘Defence starts from the attack.’
It kicks off on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
The Bianconeri have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul, despite having taken a 2-1 lead going into half-time, as the Juan Cabal red card proved disastrous.
Osimhen did not score in that first leg, but he rested over the weekend due to a knee issue.
Osimhen ready for Juventus battle
“My knee is fine, thank you,” Osimhen told Sky Sport Italia.
“I have a little pain in my knee, that is the reason why I didn’t play the last league game, but thanks to the medical team, I am back with the squad and looking forward to facing Juve.”
Galatasaray are aiming to make history by eliminating Juventus from the Champions League, and Osimhen denies suggestions they are a completely different team in his absence.
“It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s not just about Osimhen. I have to give props to the rest of the squad, as they’ve been really been helpful putting this club where it should be,” continued the Nigeria international.
“This club is huge, we’ve seen multiple times that even with legends in the past who played for this club, it is the only Turkish side that has done really well in Europe. We’ve been doing that for so many years, when you mention a big club, we’ve done so well in the Champions League.
“We also have the opportunity tomorrow to write history for the club, so it’s not just about one player. Of course, I appreciate all the support from the fans, the coach, the confidence he has in me. If I don’t have these guys around my back, I don’t think they can listen to me when I try to charge them forward. Everything can be made possible, kudos to them, we’re going to lead each other hand in hand and try to make sure we get the maximum result.”
Although he did not score in the first leg, his high pressing game saw him steal the ball twice and provide assists, constantly harassing the Juventus defenders.
“One thing about me is if I’m not seeing an opportunity to score, I am trying to help my team,” added Osimhen.
“Juventus always start from the back, so t was important to press them, I try to call my teammates forward too, so we don’t let them start that play from behind. Juventus have a lot of quality, when they manage to get the ball to Kenan Yildiz, he’s a very dangerous player, so is Conceicao, so we must try to block their passes.
“Defence starts from the attack, so me and the other forwards have to start the press. It was just the right thing to do, and of course the instructions from the coach. I did my duty and I’m glad I did it diligently.”
Despite such a big advantage from the first leg, Galatasaray and Osimhen have no intention of sitting back in Turin.
“Tomorrow too I don’t think we’re the kind of squad who is going to lie back, because Juventus are a really big team, but we’ll come out and take the fight to them. It’s going to be a really tough game, I’m looking forward to it.”