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Stefan Kuntz inks 3-year contract to become Turkey's new coach

Published September 20,2021
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Former Germany Under-21 coach Stefan Kuntz signed a three-year deal to become Turkey's news manager on Monday.

The ex-Beşiktaş striker, who won Euro 96 with Germany as a player before leading the Under-21s to European Championship glory in 2017 and this June, replaces the sacked Şenol Güneş.

"It is a bit, well not really a bit, like coming home. I want to be the most German Turk or the most Turkish German," he told reporters.

"I am full of energy because I know what Turkish players have within them."

Kuntz, who turned out for Beşiktaş in the 1995-96 season, is expected to have a Turkish and German-speaking assistant with media reports saying former Hanover coach Kenan Koçak is favourite.

They have a tough task to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar next year. Turkey are third in Group G on 11 points behind the Netherlands and Norway (both 13). They lost 6-1 in Amsterdam this month, prompting the sacking of Güneş after a poor Euro 2020.

Only the group winner is guaranteed a berth at the November and December 2022 finals.

Kuntz's debut in the Turkish dug-out will come at home to Norway in Istanbul on October 8.