Arda Turan, Getty Images November 21, 2024, 12:10 p.m

Former Turkish midfielder Arda Turan, after completing his professional career in the fall of 2022, began coaching and already has his first major achievement — he led Eyupspor to the Turkish Super League at the end of last season.

At present, the 37-year-old specialist continues his activities in this club, not without success, but he is already thinking about greater achievements in his career.

“In the future, I see myself at Atlético, with whom I will win the Champions League. But I still have a long way to go before I can talk about such things. If anyone is going to win the first Champions League for Atlético right now, it is Diego Simeone.

I am very happy with the history we are creating now in Eyupspor. We improve, learn and have fun together every day. Whether we win or lose, we try to learn from it.

In our first season, we became champions and qualified for the Super League. It was an extraordinary season, full of unforgettable emotions. From the beginning to the end. It was a very special story! We won the championship with five rounds to go. We played our football and continued our way in the highest division.

Throughout my career I have worked with many top level coaches and have always tried to learn something from each of them. Simeone is one of the biggest influences on my career, both as a player and as a coach.

When I was a player, he was my biggest challenge and motivated me to push my limits. He was the first person to push me out of my comfort zone. He taught me that football is a team game where individual skills come first.

In one of the interviews, someone called him “the coach who convinced Arda to defend himself.” And it’s true. He helped me see the game not only from an offensive point of view, but also as a whole. Assisting and scoring goals are the most important things for a player, but Simeone taught me how important it is to fight, fight again and suffer a lot.

I learned a lot from all the coaches I worked with. In defense, I am inspired by Simeone’s ideas. Although in attack, I would say Luis Enrique has influenced me the most. I also learned a lot from Fatih Terim: relationships with players and finding solutions in the most stressful and critical moments.

I try to take inspiration from the strengths of the coaches I’ve worked with and create my own style based on that, interpreting their approaches.

Of course, I have the desire to lead Atlético one day. I want to become very successful. But I still have a long way to go before I can consider something this big. I am learning and growing.

I think maintaining success is just as important as achieving it. The best-case scenario for Simeone, the Atlético legend that he is, would be to win his first Champions League at the club.

Even dreaming of coming close to Cholo’s success after he leaves the club one day is an extremely exciting activity. Let’s see what life has in store for us.

Arda Güler? He is a very special talent. It has unique qualities. I am sure he will surpass me. He has many years ahead of him. Once he combines his talent with the reality of the level he plays at and completes the adaptation process, I believe he will achieve even greater success,” said the Turkish specialist.

Eyupspor are currently fourth in the Turkish Super League, nine points behind leaders Galatasaray after 12 rounds.