30.05.2025 16:02
Antalyaspor's head coach Emre Belözoğlu spoke about his career plans and revealed the four teams he wishes to manage in the future. In his statement, Emre Belözoğlu said, "First and foremost, Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and of course, the dream of managing teams like Inter, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, where I played in Europe, is one of my biggest motivations."
Emre Belözoğlu, who manages Antalyaspor in the Süper Lig, made statements to La Gazzetta Dello Sport ahead of the Champions League final to be played between his former team Inter and PSG. Emre Belözoğlu made striking remarks about his Inter career, national team captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the teams he wants to manage, and his career at Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.
'I BELIEVE THEY WILL WIN'
Emre Belözoğlu, who announced that he would support Inter in the final match, said, 'Inter is my second home. The team has gradually improved with Simone Inzaghi and has become better every day. Last season was not so good as they were eliminated in the round of 16, but this season they have had a wonderful season across all competitions. This time, I believe they will win. I hope for that as a fan. I will also be in Munich that evening, as I will be commenting on the match for a Turkish television.'
4 TEAMS HE WANTS TO MANAGE
Belözoğlu, who revealed the teams he wants to manage, stated, "When I was a player, I never dreamed of playing for any club, but now, especially in Turkey, Fenerbahçe, of course, managing teams like Inter, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, where I played in Europe, is one of my biggest motivations."
'HAKAN IS ONE OF THE BEST MIDFIELDERS IN EUROPE'
The 44-year-old coach emphasized the importance of Hakan Çalhanoğlu for Turkish football, saying, 'Hakan was born in Germany, and in the last century, many Turks migrated there to work. Therefore, there are millions of people of Turkish descent in Germany, and they all love our country and our national team very much. When he is on the field, people feel that he is one of us. He has become an idol for everyone, both adults and children. I know him very well individually, and I think he is one of the best players in Serie A and one of the best midfielders in Europe. Hakan has been working excellently for years; he combines the stubborn mentality of Turks with the high-level competitive spirit of European football,' he said. Belözoğlu, who mentioned that he first encountered Hakan in the national team, said, 'Of course. When he came to the national team, I was the captain. He was very young but very talented. It was immediately noticeable that he had something special. He took risks like a player with a big character.'
'ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS'
Continuing his remarks about Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Belözoğlu said, "He plays on the field like a coach… He reads the game perfectly, he is the right-hand man of the coach. The position he plays in front of the three-man defense with Inzaghi is perfect for him, even if he doesn't look aggressive… I have endless respect for the other players, but when Hakan is in the regista position, Inter becomes a more special team. He sets the rhythm of the team and adds quality to the game. He is one of the best Inter players of the last 20 years."
'THERE WERE VERY STRONG TEAMS IN SERIE A'
The young coach, recounting his years in Milan, said, 'I have many beautiful memories. There were many great players and leaders in that team. I was very excited to work with idols like Ronaldo and Zanetti in the first training sessions; it was a great chance for me. During those years, Serie A was filled with very strong teams: Juventus, Milan, Roma, Lazio… It was almost like the NBA back then! We only won one Coppa Italia, but I met amazing people, played against great teams, and experienced incredible fan support.'
'IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE FEELING'
Belözoğlu described the transfer process to Inter, saying, 'I was 20 years old. Moratti came to Istanbul a few months before my contract with Galatasaray ended and told me he wanted to transfer me. Facchetti was also with him. Then I went to Milan for the first time; it was an incredible feeling for me. I was shocked in front of the crowd of journalists in the press room on signing day.'
'I HAVE ALWAYS FELT LIKE A FENERBAHÇE FAN'
Speaking about his career at Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, Emre Belözoğlu said, "Honestly, my decision was respected; although both Italians and Turks were similar in this regard, there was a more modern perspective. Before going to Fenerbahçe, people liked me; I was in the starting eleven for a long time at Galatasaray, and I had been the national team captain. After moving to Fenerbahçe, no one insulted me on the street, but… for the first time, I felt that people no longer loved me as much as before. I learned to manage this: One was the club that took me to the national team and Europe, and the other was the team I captained and played for until I was 40. I have always felt like a Fenerbahçe fan."