Statements from Samsunspor President Yüksel Yıldırım on Galatasaray and Transfers
Yüksel Yıldırım spoke about Samsunspor's financial structure, transfer strategies, and AI-supported coach selection.
Samsunspor Club President Yüksel Yıldırım made important evaluations on many subjects, ranging from his team's transfer policies to the club's debt-free structure, the use of artificial intelligence, and his thoughts on Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek.
A Club Structure That Develops and Competes
Samsunspor President Yüksel Yıldırım stated that as a club, they possess both a player-developing and a competitive identity.
He expressed that their opportunities and appeal for signing football players from Europe, Africa, and Latin America are increasing day by day.
Artificial Intelligence and the Technical Director Process
He explained that they utilized artificial intelligence and examined comprehensive data during the technical director selection process.
He emphasized that Thomas met the defined criteria, that Trabzonspor also made the right decision regarding him, but that patience is required.
Disagreement on Transfers
He stated that a minor disagreement arose between them and the technical director solely regarding transfer preferences.
He conveyed that the coach requested a center-back transfer, whereas he advocated for signing a center-forward with a more goal-scoring-oriented approach.
Dialogue with President Erdoğan
Sharing a conversation he had with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he noted that he mentioned his low morale following the defeat in the Çorum match.
He recorded that Erdoğan asked him whether everything was going well and advised him to pull the team together immediately.
Support and Criticism for Dursun Özbek
Expressing that he feels sorry for the situation experienced by Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, he said that individuals expected to receive appreciation are subjected to unfair criticism.
He reminded that even though Özbek made the team champions, he is being criticized by claims that transfers were made late, despite the club being at the top of the league.
Zero Debt and Champions League Target
He emphasized that Samsunspor has no debts to the state for taxes, to football players, or to the market, and that the club is managed with zero debt.
Stating that they are designing the future starting today, he added that they aim to play the Champions League anthem in this city.