Ilkay Gündogan finds himself at the centre of a firestorm following Galatasaray's 3-1 Champions League loss to Sporting CP in Lisbon. The 35-year-old midfielder was introduced in the 85th minute as manager Okan Buruk sought to salvage the fixture, but his cameo appearance only intensified scrutiny around his struggles this season.
The Turkish giants surrendered a lead in Portugal, compounding an already disappointing start to their European campaign. Gündogan's introduction for Yunus Akgün proved counterproductive, and his performance has drawn sharp criticism from former international Nihat Kahveci. "People have known about the shortcomings for two and a half months and then Ilkay is brought on—and he is completely absent on the pitch. Some at the training ground say he does not run quickly enough," Kahveci told reporters, raising questions about the veteran's physical condition and tactical fit in Buruk's setup.
Social Media Backlash Mounts
Gündogan's second appearance of the season triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with Galatasaray supporters expressing frustration. Many fans called for the midfielder's departure, with "#HeShould Go!" trending among sections of the fanbase. The sentiment reflects growing impatience with his impact on the pitch, particularly given Galatasaray's ambitions in the Champions League.
Leroy Sane, another squad member facing scrutiny, started the match despite recent reports of discontent over his playing time. However, the former Manchester City winger also struggled to influence proceedings and was withdrawn in the 58th minute, replaced by Rafael Leao. The combination of individual underperformances across multiple positions highlights deeper tactical issues as Galatasaray attempts to compete at Europe's highest level this season.
With only two matches played, Gündogan's position within the squad appears increasingly precarious. How Buruk manages his veteran midfielder's role—and whether he receives further opportunities—will be critical as Galatasaray looks to recover from this opening-day setback and mount a credible European challenge.
