Whats it like working in Turkey?
The biggest difference between my time in Japan and here at Fenerbahce is the organisational support and a fully-functioning club structure. I’m free to focus 100 percent on my work with the team here, and don’t have to worry about anything which goes on away from the playing side. In Japan I discovered a passion for coaching, and I can live out that passion here in Turkey. You sound very happy at Fenerbahce. Can you speak any Turkish? No, Turkish is a very difficult language. When I work with the team I always have an interpreter by my side, and he’s also a trusted confidante. He has to convey my philosophy, motivational speeches and tactics to the team with the same enthusiasm as I have. My interpreter has to speak my language in two senses of the phrase. You come across as an unruffled, organised and friendly personality. What are you like as a coach? It depends on the situation, but it’s a big advantage that I played professionally under a variety of different coaches. I have a fee
