Volkan Demirel Named New Head Coach of Gaziantep FK

After a series of consecutive points losses in the Trendyol Süper Lig, Gaziantep FK has named its new head coach following a mutual agreement to part ways with Orhan Ak. The club's management, in red and black, aims to recover in the league after the international break. Following talks with Volkan Demirel, who has been managing Gençlerbirliği, the two sides reached an agreement.

The club agreed to a 1.5-year contract with the 45-year-old coach, including a one-year option. Demirel's coaching career includes stints at Fatih Karagümrük, Hatayspor, Bodrum FK and Gençlerbirliği. His role at Gaziantep will be the fifth stop of his career. The club is expected to announce the agreement officially in the near future.

Gaziantep FK lost its last six league matches. Having collected 8 points in the 11 weeks before the international break, the team is in the relegation zone. The club aims to escape this situation with Demirel's on-field energy and leadership.

Demirel's first match will be an away game against Gençlerbirliği in Week 12, after the international break. It is notable that he will face the team he last coached.

Demirel spent many years at Fenerbahçe as a player, served as captain, and worked as an assistant coach at the club. He has previously said he aims to one day become Fenerbahçe's head coach. His name has occasionally been mentioned in Fenerbahçe's coaching searches, and this ambition has been postponed for now by the agreement with Gaziantep FK.