Galatasaray let Korkmaz call it quits

The Galatasaray AŞ board have accepted the resignation of coach Bülent Korkmaz after just over three months in charge, with the Istanbul club having finished fifth in the Süper Lig to earn a UEFA Europa League place.

Galatasaray legend
The 40-year-old started his career as a trainee with the club, and represented them as a central defender until he hung up his boots in 2005, winning eight league titles, six Turkish Cups, the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. Following spells as coach of Kayseri Erciyesspor, Bursaspor and Gençlirbirliği SK, he replaced Michael Skibbe as Galatasaray coach on 23 February. He was handed an 18-month contract with the option of another year, but after his side lost in the UEFA Cup Round of 16 to eventual semi-finalists Hamburger SV, he could not improve their league position, with Cimbom unable to defend the title they won last season. Champions Beşiktaş JK's success in the Turkish Cup final ensured that fifth place would be enough for Galatasaray to start the inaugural UEFA Europa League in the second qualifying round.