In joint a press conference with Mr. Mustafa Denizli, Beşiktaş Board of Directors and Head of Club Council Yalçın Karadeniz today, Beşiktaş Chairman Yıldırım Demirören announced the resignation of Manager Mustafa Denizli due to his health problems. He also stressed that the announcement he had to make was definitely the most difficult one of his 10-year career with the Club.
“I’ve been with the club for more ten years now, and I’ve held numerous press conferences during all the years; but this is probably the most difficult one of my career because we are parting ways with someone who has achieved no other manager has been able to in 20 years. We all deeply regret this situation, but his current health condition has forced us to make this unfortunate decision so there is not much we can do. He was not only a great coach and leader for our team but we also loved him. I myself had a brotherly relationship with him. As a big brother, he provided guidance to me on matters outside of football and steered me the right way when I was in doubt so it is not easy to say goodbye to him. Some critics wrongfully claim that Mr. Denizi’s health problems are not the real reason for his leave, and we are letting him go because the team has failed to meet expectations last season. They even accuse us for misleading the public. For them, his health concerns are just an excuse for sending him away. Let me tell you this, Beşiktaş is not a club which has a habit of changing managers once in two years. Besides, Mustafa Denizli was one of the most successful managers our club had seen in years. If his health condition didn’t come up, we had no intention of accepting his resignation and terminating his contract. We’ll sure have tough time to replace him because quality managers are hard to find these days, not to mention his childhood love and through knowledge of Beşiktaş which have been great assets for our club. If these critics are looking for “liars,” they should look at the mirror. I am also having difficulty to comprehend how these people insult the Chairman and distinguished board members of Beşiktaş in the corners of their papers and still call themselves a Beşiktaş supporter at the same time. We refuse to stoop down to their level and get into polemics with them. How the papers go ahead and publish such malicious and baseless rumors without verifying them with us first is another matter of concern. I hope this press conference they will shut them up once and for all. Last Tuesday, while we were away to strengthen our squad with new players according to his instructions, we were shocked by Mr. Denizli’s decision stemming from his recent health condition. As you will all recall, he had similar problems last season and needed hospital treatment. With this opportunity I would like thank him for his services. Our door will always be open for him. If he wants to take up a different and less tiring position at our club, he is more than welcome. I have no doubt that once he fully recovers well he will be back with our club. More than anything, he is a true-blood Beşiktaş supporter.
As for the new manager, contrary to what’s been circulating in the press, we are yet to negotiate with anyone. However, starting from tomorrow, we will talk to 6 candidates. We have to be real quick because our team will open the season on June 23.”
After President Demirören, former Beşiktaş Manager Mustafa Denizli also addressed the members of the press:
“Before I go any further, I would like thank my Chairman, board members and club management for their continuous an unwavering support they provided me with during these past two seasons. Before coming here, I managed Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, the other two prominent football clubs in Turkey, but my work experience here carries a special meaning for me because, as its been already said, Beşiktaş is my childhood love. I waited to make this announcement until our Chairman returned from his trip. My decision to leave the Club for health reasons has not been an easy one. Beşiktaş has been like a home to me over the past two seasons. I don’t know how long this separation will last, but I need some time off to rest and recover. I’d like to be back with the team once I gain my health back. But for now, the doctors advised me to stay way from the stress and sudden mood swings for a while. For this very reason and nothing else, I asked the Club management to release me from my previously signed contract, and after lengthy discussions they finally accepted my resignation. At first, they tired to talk me out of it, but I told them I would be no use to the team in poor health so we decided to part ways for a while. All other speculations on this matter do not reflect reality. I was quite happy here and the management backed me all the way, besides my health concerns there was no reason for me to leave. With your permission, I would like to express my gratitude to our Chairman and board members for the understanding they showed on this matter. On the other hand, the ups and downs we had during the past two seconds turned us into a family so we all spoke the same language and understood each other’s need perfectly. This mutual understanding made the implementation of my decision somewhat easier.
Now, I hope our management will not waste any more time and start looking for a new manager, who fits our team the best. If he wishes I will give him an activity report for the past two seasons and help him to adapt to the club. The change of managers will not leave Beşiktaş behind its schedule, and the team will open the new season on June 23 as previously planned. The team is to play three exhibition matches on July 3, 6 and 8 before the first leg of Euro League preliminary round so we are well on schedule no matter what the others say. No one should be alarmed; Beşiktaş will be up and ready when the new season starts.
With this opportunity I also would like thank you sincerely for spending two seasons with me. Although there were times we did not fully agree, but we managed to keep our cool and showed respect to each other’s point of view. It was a pleasure working with you. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
As the official website of Beşiktaş, we take this moment to forward our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Mustafa Denizli for the memorable victories he achieved at our Club and wish him rapid recovery. Beşiktaş will never forget him…