 |
Senol GunesTurkish footballer and coach
Date of Birth: 01.06.1952
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Early Career and Playing Days
- Coaching Career
- Success with the Turkish National Team
- Post-World Cup and Return to Trabzonspor
- International Experience in South Korea
- Return to Besiktas
Early Career and Playing Days
Senol Gunes began his footballing journey as a goalkeeper for amateur club Erdoğdu Gençlik. He later joined Trabzonspor, a top-flight club, where he spent 15 seasons. With Trabzonspor, Gunes won an impressive 6 league titles between 1975 and 1984.
Coaching Career
Upon retiring as a player, Gunes became an assistant coach at his former club. In 1994, he took over as Trabzonspor's head coach. However, after a disappointing finish in the 1995/96 season, losing the league title to Fenerbahce by just 2 points, Gunes left the club. He went on to coach various teams, including Boluspor, Istanbulspor, and Antalyaspor.
Success with the Turkish National Team
In 2000, Gunes made the surprise move to become Turkey's national team coach. Under his guidance, Turkey finished second in their qualifying group for the 2002 World Cup, securing their first appearance in the competition in 48 years. They defeated Austria 5-0 in the playoffs to book their ticket to Japan and South Korea.
At the World Cup, Turkey defied expectations by reaching the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to eventual champions Brazil. In the third-place match, they defeated co-hosts South Korea 3-2 to claim the bronze medal. The achievement earned Gunes the UEFA Coach of the Year award in 2002.
Post-World Cup and Return to Trabzonspor
After failing to qualify Turkey for the 2004 European Championship, losing to Latvia in the playoffs, Gunes was dismissed as national team coach. He then returned to Trabzonspor for a third stint, from 2004 to 2006.
International Experience in South Korea
Following setbacks at Trabzonspor, Gunes left the club and signed a three-year contract with FC Seoul in 2007.
Return to Besiktas
On June 11, 2015, Gunes was appointed as head coach of Besiktas. He signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.
