Engin’s comments come in the aftermath of a disappointing team performance in a recent league match against Samsunspor, where Galatasaray missed an opportunity to secure the title with two games remaining. The match featured a costly defensive sequence involving Osimhen, whose back pass contributed to goalkeeper Günay Güvenç being sent off for handling the ball outside his area.
Speaking on the Beyaz Futbol programme, Engin expressed frustration over what he described as a decline in the striker’s discipline and decision-making on the pitch. “Osimhen is not bigger than Galatasaray,” he said. “He performed excellently during his loan, and I held him in high regard. However, he is now in conflict with the referee and his teammates.”
He also criticised the incident leading to the goalkeeper’s dismissal, questioning the judgment behind the pass: “His play has become remarkably careless. How could he pass to the centre-back? What sort of complacency is that, my friend?”
Engin further suggested that tactical issues and lapses in focus left the team exposed during key moments of the match, intensifying debate around Galatasaray’s defensive organisation and in-game decision-making.
Osimhen’s recent performances have drawn mixed reactions. While the criticism has gained attention, many supporters argue that his overall contribution remains significant. The striker has, according to match records, either scored or assisted in each of his last eleven Süper Lig appearances, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking output.
Despite the controversy, the broader discussion reflects the pressure surrounding Galatasaray’s title push, where individual errors and collective lapses are increasingly magnified. As the season nears its conclusion, attention will remain on how both the player and the club respond to the mounting expectations.