'Like a primary student' - Former Besiktas coach insists Osimhen and Morata can't play together

Former Besiktas coach Sergen Yalcın has insisted that Victor Osimhen and Alvaro Morata cannot play together at Galatasaray.

While the Nigeria international joined The Lion last September following failed moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli, the 2024 European Championship winner with Spain was signed on loan in the winter transfer market as cover for the injured Mauro Icardi, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury. 

Osimhen is having an outstanding season with 28 goals in 32 games across all competitions, while Morata has three goals in eight games. 

Morata and Osimhen have been on the pitch together in five matches and have combined for just one goal, with the Napoli loanee providing the assist for the AC Milan-owned striker in last month's league match against Antalyaspor.

"If there is no Victor Osimhen in Galatasaray , Alvaro Morata will play. Morata and Osimhen cannot be side by side," Yalcin said on the Kafa Sports YouTube channel, via habersarikirmizi.com.

Yalcın didn't just address the tactical incompatibility, but also offered a glimpse into what it's like coaching a player like Osimhen, known for his explosive pace and unpredictable movement on the pitch.

He suggested that the former African Footballer of the Year has to be guided to thrive within a tactical system. 

"You will guide Victor Osimhen like a primary school student. If you don't tell the guy, he will say to you later, 'You didn't tell me'. 

"You can't hold him accountable as a coach. However, if you tell him and he doesn't do it, then you hold him accountable."

Osimhen is expected to return to parent club Napoli at the end of the season with a summer transfer to a new club likely to follow.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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