Günes takes leave of Turkey

Joint statement
Günes and Haluk Ulusoy, the Turkish Football Association (TFF) president, announced at a joint press conference that the coach would be relieved of his responsibilities with immediate effect even though his contract did not expire until July.

Early departure
"Senol Günes served Turkish football and the national team for four years," said Ulusoy. "His contract was due to expire on 13 July but after an executive committee meeting, we decided that it would be more useful to part company before that date, considering the matches we will play in June."

Turkish gratitude
Ulusoy expressed his gratitude to the former Turkish international goalkeeper who led the national side to third place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He insisted that there was no dispute between the coach and the TFF, saying: "Maybe our paths will cross again in the future."

Günes speaks
Meanwhile, Günes reflected upon his achievements with Turkey, saying: "In the national team and in the TFF we did some good work. [But] some people cannot understand the current situation with Turkey. As a nation, we quickly get accustomed to good things but forget what we are missing. I am sure that whoever takes over from me, will make further progress."

Defining achievement
Günes took over as coach of Turkey in August 2000 after his predecessor, Mustafa Denizli, had guided the national team to the quarter-finals of that summer’s UEFA European Championship. His success at the World Cup earned him recognition as uefa.com’s users’ Coach of 2002, but failure to qualify for EURO 2004™ after a play-off defeat against Latvia was a bitter blow.

Local replacement
Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari and former Fulham FC manager Jean Tigana have both been linked with the vacant post of Turkey coach but it seems more likely at the moment that the TFF will choose to employ a Turkish coach.