“It would have been different if he played” – Rigas FS manager credits Osimhen absence for Galatasaray draw

FK Rigas head coach, Viktors Morozs, has admitted his side were able to walk away with a point against Galatasaray due to Victor Osimhen’s absence, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Latvian side welcomed Galatasaray to the Daugavas Stadioña for their UEFA Europa League clash yesterday, and came back from going two goals down to claiming a point against Okan Buruk’s team.

Osimhen missed the game due to an injury he suffered in Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa last Saturday, where he was replaced by Dries Mertens at the start of the second half.

Morozs, speaking after his side sealed a brilliant comeback against Galatasaray, mentioned the result could have gone in favour of the away side, had Osimhen been on the pitch.

“It would have been different if Osimhen had played. He would have added strength to Galatasaray. Osimhen is a different player than Icardi. In my opinion, he could have passed our defense more easily. It would have been difficult to play against such a forward. His absence today was a deficiency for Galatasaray. Osimhen is a strong and dangerous player. It would have been difficult for us if he had played today,” the 44-year-old said in quotes revealed by Haber Global.

Osimhen’s injury is a big blow to the Galatasaray and Super Eagles attack, as he’s set to miss out on footballing action untill the third week in November. While the Turkish have been prolific in front of goal in his absence, they’ve struggled to keep things tight at the back.