Demirel: Onyekuru Left Out Due to Performance, Not Contracts

Gençlerbirliği coach Volkan Demirel has spoken candidly about his decision to leave Henry Onyekuru out of the squad just days before their crucial Super League Week 30 fixture against leaders Galatasaray.

Speaking at Beştepe İlhan Cavcav Facilities, Demirel stressed that the move was based purely on performance.

‘We are not satisfied with his performance. I may or may not play Onyekuru, but if this is presented differently, it will harm both our club and our team right now.

‘Onyekuru is our player, he has a contract for one more year. I have all the initiative regarding the player. If he performs well, I will carry it on my head,’ he explained.

Demirel dismissed speculation that contractual issues were behind the decision, noting that he regularly reports to management on each player’s form.

While Onyekuru impressed in one outing, his subsequent performance against Başakşehir fell short of expectations.

Demirel acknowledged the challenge of facing Galatasaray, who are chasing the title, but insisted his side must focus on their own needs.

‘They have championship goals. We also have our own goals. Our opponent is Galatasaray, but we are completely responsible for ourselves. Because we need points and points,’ he said.