The head coach of Kocaelispor, Ertuğrul Sağlam, has resigned.

Unexpected developments occurred in Kocaelispor, who is chasing a Super League ticket in Trendyol 1. League. Head coach Ertuğrul Sağlam announced his resignation.

"OFF-FIELD ISSUES ARE DISTRACTING"

In a statement made on his social media account, Sağlam emphasized that he had to evaluate "the developments in days when it is not possible to remain silent on the path to the targeted championship." He noted that the happiness of the fans has always been one of the most important issues for him, and contrary to popular belief, despite serious financial difficulties, the club has continued its journey in the Turkish Cup without any mishaps, reminding that there is a 4-point gap between them and the team in 3rd place in the league, and claimed that some off-field issues have become a distraction.

"THERE ARE THOSE WHO MANIPULATE THE FANS"

Sağlam pointed out that the dissatisfaction resulting from this situation is extremely sad and stated:

"Our esteemed Mayor Mr. Tahir, some of the leading businessmen of the city, and part of our fans believe in our struggle. I owe them my thanks, but I must also sadly state that there are those who deliberately try to mislead our fans, manipulating the community through football dissatisfaction. While the team is at the top of the league and there is no unsolvable problem, those who bring up the issue of 'firing the coach' reflected this situation as a planned protest in the Esenler Erokspor match. Unfortunately, some of our fans acted upon these manipulations. Personal ambitions and whims should not affect the fate of our community."

"I CANNOT REMAIN SILENT ON THE SABOTAGE OF A POSITIVE PROCESS"

Sağlam argued that the statements made by Club President Recep Durul after the match against Esenler Erokspor on December 15 showed a lack of unity in thought and spirit, emphasizing that as someone who has been in professional football for 40 years, he has never exceeded his duties and authority.

Sağlam stated that it is not possible to remain silent about the sabotage of a positive process with malicious intent, saying, "It seems unfortunately impossible to achieve unity under the same roof, being deprived of a goal that I am sure will end in championship. Therefore, I am terminating my contract as of today, without ignoring the requests indirectly conveyed by the club president. I wish success to the Kocaelispor community and fans in the remaining part of the league."

Kocaelispor IS PLAYING FOR THE TOP

Kocaelispor is in 2nd place with 32 points, having 10 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses in the Trendyol 1. League, which has completed 16 weeks, and is tied on points with Bandırmaspor. Kocaelispor has shaken the opponent's nets 24 times in these matches, while they have conceded 17 goals. In the Ziraat Turkey Cup, the Gulf team eliminated Çorluspor 1947, secured their place in the group stage, and will compete for a quarter-final ticket against Antalyaspor, Sivasspor, and Kırklarelispor. During this process, head coach Ertuğrul Sağlam achieved an average of 2.06 points.