Home Other Erman Kunter replaces Ergin Ataman at the helm of Galatasaray

Erman Kunter replaces Ergin Ataman at the helm of Galatasaray

Galatasaray have named Erman Kunter as their new coach as Ergin Ataman announced that he was stepping down via Twitter.

It brings to an end Turkish basketball’s worst kept secret, as it was on the cards since the end of the EuroLeague season that Ataman was going to step down as head coach. And the announcement of Kunter, who arrives from a three-year spell at French side, Le Mans made the timing of Ataman’s declaration spot on.

“Separations are inevitable in places that are not sincere and betrayal is the heaviest thing,” Ataman said in a deeply laid out message written in Turkish on Twitter.

“I would like to thank everyone who support me all these five years. This morning we had a meeting with board and I said to them [I] will not ask any wage for this year if needed. However Can Topsakal told me that I’m not wanted in the club.”

Outgoing Galatasaray coach Ergin Ataman posted a meaningful message on Twitter as well as explaining how he left the team.

Ataman leaves the Istanbul side after five years at the helm. In his first season, he won the Turkish league and the club was in a good place. But soon after their domestic triumph, the team hit financial turmoil and problems mounted when players walked out and left Galatasaray.

But the 51-year-old remained defiant and battled on. In Ataman’s later years with his home town side, he led them to the EuroCup title in 2016, beating Strasbourg on Galatasaray’s home floor the Abdi Ipecki Arena.

Ataman though makes way for Kunter, who coached Galatasaray back in the 2002-2003 season. His last post was at French side Le Mans where he led them to a French Cup in 2016. The 60-year-old has also had runs at Besiktas, ASVEL and Cholet.

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