Tayfun Korkut's Hannover 96 Makes A Good Start In Bundesliga

Tayfun Korkut, the first Turkish coach in the German Bundesliga, has become the most successful coach in Club Hannover 96's history after his team made a good start by gaining third place in the league with two-point goal difference behind the leader.

Hannover 96 appointed former Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Turkey international midfielder Korkut as its new coach at the beginning of this year. The 39-year-old, who played 42 times for his country between 1995 and 2003, has made history by becoming the first Turk to coach a Bundesliga side on a permanent basis after replacing Mirko Slomka, who was sent packing last week.

It is the first senior coaching job for the former midfielder. “This appointment has been taken with the future of Hannover 96 in mind,” sporting director Dirk Dufner told the club website.

Korkut played for Fenerbahçe between 1995 and 2000. He also wore the jersey of Fenerbahçe archrival Beşiktaş in the 2004-2005 season. He did a three-year stint at Spain's Real Sociedad, where he later worked as the coach of the youth team. He also worked as a youth team coach at Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart and as assistant to Turkey coach Abdullah Avcı between 2012 and 2013.

Coach Korkut's ascent to the managerial position in the German club after his work on youth teams and in Turkey's senior national team received much media attention in Turkish outlets.

(Cihan/Today's Zaman)