Turkish champion Fenerbahçe extends Yanal’s contract

ISTANBUL

Ersun Yanal has led Fenerbahçe to its 19th Super League title against archrivals Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. AA Photo

Fenerbahçe has signed a new contract with Coach Ersun Yanal, ending speculations following the team’s Turkish football league championship.

Yanal has signed a two-year contract worth $3.5 million, meaning he will be at the helm during the team’s Spor Toto Super League title defense next season.

“It is an honor for me to work with and serve the Fenerbahçe family,” he said during the signing ceremony. “This is one of the top 20 teams in the world.”

Yanal led Fenerbahçe to its 19th Super League title against archrivals Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. The feat came in a season when Yanal was working on a one-year contract.

Chairman Aziz Yıldırım blamed the media for creating speculations, saying there was not a single problem at the club, and they were working in a family atmosphere.

“We met yesterday and the talks continued for five minutes,” Yıldırım said, underlining that the contract extension was not a problem.

The former Trabzonspor, Gençlerbirliği, Ankaragücü and the Turkish national football team coach said Fenerbahçe will work for the 20th league title next season.