Prandelli unveiled as new Galatasaray coach

ISTANBUL

Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli (L) and Galatasaray chairman Ünal Aysal shake hands during the signing ceremony, July 8. AP Photo / Emrah GÜREL

Galatasaray signed a two-year contract with Italian coach Cesare Prandelli in a ceremony in the club’s Türk Telekom Arena stadium July 8.

Speaking to reporters at the ceremony, Prandelli, who only left Italy after a disappointing World Cup campaign last month, said Galatasaray chairman Ünal Aysal easily convinced him for the job.

Prandelli said, Aysal, “a charismatic man,” looked him in the eye and said he wanted “the fourth star,” and that is how he got into the Italian’s mind.

A club earns the right to wear a star on its jersey after every five national titles, and with archrivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe both standing at 19 championships, this year’s Super League campaign will be a battle for the fourth star.

Prandelli said he aimed to form not only a good playing side, but also a “winning team.” “I am here to be a part of a great project,” said an ambitious Prandelli. “Speaking about the system, I plan a four-strong defense and a three-man midfield.

“But our main goal is to give Galatasaray a winning formation,” the Italian said.