DOHA
Bulent Uygun, a renowned football coach in Turkey, is hoping to take his new Qatari team forward, Umm Salal.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent, Uygun said his mission is to act as "sport ambassador in addition to coaching." He said that he wants to better relations in sport between Turkey and Qatar.
Uygun who moved to Qatari capital Doha after signing a contract with Umm Salal made his first practice with his team on Thursday night. He was welcomed by the Qatari officials in the club yesterday and met with team players for the first practice after the press conference held in Umm Salal Sports Club. The team will play their first match against the number six in the league, Al Arabi on Monday.
Uygun also revealed that there would be likely transfers of Turkish players to his team in the upcoming weeks. He shared that he will try to get as many players as possible from Turkey to contribute to the success of Umm Salal.
Coach Uygun confessed that 2022 World Cup was a "decisive reason" why he accepted the offer from a Qatari football club. "As the first Turkish coach in the Arab world, I would like to be part of this glamorous organization in a Muslim country," Uygun stressed, implying he may stay in the country until 2022.
"I was happy to accept the offer from Qatar, a country that the whole world has closely been watching recently. They are building the best stadiums, gathering the best footballers and coaches in the world. Such an offer is an honor for me and for my country," he told AA's Doha correspondent.
Uygun pointed out that "soccer in Qatar has a dynamism and spirit, but needs infrastructure, technic and a good trainer, while Turkish soccer has passion, technic but no team spirit."
Bulent Uygun started his soccer career as a striker in Turkish team Sakaryaspor. He also played in Turkey's leading team Fenerbahce for 3 years. Uygun started his managerial career in 2006. His last team was Gaziantepspor before joining Umm Salal.
Reporting by Feyza Gumusluoglu
englishnews@aa.com.tr
