Fenerbahçe's upcoming extraordinary general assembly, scheduled for June 6-7, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the club. Presidential candidate Hakan Safi is set to challenge incumbent Aziz Yıldırım for the top job, and he is already making significant moves to assemble his potential leadership team.
Safi has firmly stated that he will not withdraw his candidacy under any circumstances, rejecting any notion of a merger or alliance with his rival. His campaign is moving forward with a clear vision, and a major part of that vision involves securing a world-class manager to lead the team.
According to reports, Safi and his advisors have been in discussions with several internationally recognized coaches. The list of foreign candidates reportedly includes former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, who has transitioned into management, as well as Oliver Glasner, who recently led Eintracht Frankfurt to a Europa League title. Also mentioned are Sebastian Hoeness, known for his work with Hoffenheim, and Andoni Iraola, who gained acclaim for his tactical approach at Rayo Vallecano.
While the focus appears to be on a foreign appointment, Safi has not completely ruled out a domestic option. Should he decide to go with a Turkish coach, the report indicates that his sole candidate is İsmail Kartal, a figure familiar with the Fenerbahçe ecosystem.
The managerial search is just one piece of Safi's broader strategy. His ultimate goal is to present a complete package to the Fenerbahçe members. He aims to have a handshake agreement with his chosen manager in place for his official campaign launch. Furthermore, he intends to announce the signings of at least two star players alongside the new coach, signaling an ambitious plan to strengthen the squad immediately.
This proactive approach is designed to demonstrate readiness and a clear direction for the club's future, setting the stage for a competitive election against Aziz Yıldırım. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations continue and the final managerial decision is made.
Based on reporting from Hürriyet.