Bülent Uygun pledges to win league championship with Anatolian team

What happened at Sivasspor? Why did you resign?

We did not consider the injuries at the beginning of the season; the injuries to Petkovic, Abdurrahman, Sedat, Onur, Sezer, Erman Kılıç and Mehmet Yıldız negatively affected us; we were not able to create a viable lineup because of these injuries. We also lost two of our most important teammates: Bilica and Tum. Foreign players presented different reasons to return to their countries. As a result, we were left with no options.

Hoping that the injuries would get better, we played warm-up games; however, the defeats in these games influenced the team spirit and mood. Before the final game with Antalyaspor, I told the club president that I would quit after winning this game and added that the next coach would find a better team convinced that it will win again. I left Sivasspor to make sure that the team would have better days.

Your team was in the championship race for two consecutive seasons; why weren't you victorious?

Some major factors including your budget, possession of great talents and experience determine the championship title. Our inexperience, lack of bold players and the chaos in the aftermath of the injuries have continually affected our performance as a team. As such, we missed the title. Actually, our team deserved the championship considering our tactical methods and training performance.

You raised the bar in the league; was this a problem for Sivasspor?

I always raise the bar. I always aim for the top. As long as God blesses me with success, I will always look to the top. I have always worked hard for achievements. The fact that we raised the bar made the city even more vibrant. Of course, sometimes we suffered from this.

Do you think you have received full support from the fans?

The Sivas fans are wonderful. Two years ago, they welcomed our opponent Galatasaray with flowers; the game was important to us because we were playing for the championship. They did the same in the game with Beşiktaş last year. They have always been there for us. They have always supported the team. They were all magnificent. I would like to thank them all.

Your players hugged you during the last game. How do you describe that atmosphere?

Players were sobbing in the locker room; the fans were paying tribute in the stadium. I have always taken care of my players, including their investments. I will always remain friends with my players.

Were you downhearted when you left?

Absolutely not. But I felt upset by the criticism. We as Sivasspor walked hand in hand on this path. The fans will have a special place in my heart. I will never forget them.

You achieved harmony between players of different faiths; you reserved special places for them to perform their prayers. When will tolerance be dominant in soccer?

That process is moving forward slowly. A Christian player is allowed to make the sign of the cross in the middle of the field. A Jewish player is allowed to fast on his religious days and skip the training sessions. I do not understand why our players have to deal with judgments just because they perform their religious duties.

We know that your goal is to win a title while training an Anatolian team. How will you do this?

Some different elements should come together to win a title. It would be a mistake if you always expect support and things to progress smoothly because sometimes you will have to deal with difficulties. You have to act together if you want to achieve your goals. Everything should be perfect including the fans, the administration, the players and the technical squad. I have brought the benefit of my experience in the field. I used my methods after reading and practicing a lot. I think I did the right things; many people had a role in this success.

I will win a title while training an Anatolian team someday if I keep following this path. Of course, there are some things I have to consider and fix. I don't understand why I was criticized by the big clubs, but you can't expect everyone to like you. Your success does not always attract support. Even though 70 percent of Anatolia wants our success, some do not.

You pioneered some projects like a nursing home for former players who can't fend for themselves. Did you receive support for this from your community?

Soccer federation chair Mahmut Özgener has been pretty helpful on this matter. I hope that this project will be implemented in two to three years. Another point that should be stressed is that we lack facilities. If the facilities at Ankaraspor are better than those of the national team, the officials should pay much attention to this. Lack of support just wastes our young talents.

Fatih Terim [the former national team coach] resigned; do you think a local or foreign coach should be hired to replace him?

Above all, Fatih Terim should be convinced to resume his job. He is behind all major successes in Turkey. Dramatic changes are needed; we consider hiring a foreign coach in a country that has 14,000 trainers. Our famous coaches including Yılmaz Vural, Güvenç Kurtar, Erdoğan Arıca and Giray Bulak are just ignored.

What are your goals in the new era? Have you received a serious offer recently?

Reports say that some big teams want to hire me, which is nice. I have not talked to any clubs yet. I will never negotiate with a team that has a coach. I will make a deal with a team in which I will achieve harmony with the fans and realize my goals. Otherwise, I will wait till the end of the season. My dream is to win a title while supervising an Anatolian team and win the Champions League cup. I also want to become world champion as the coach of the national team. I work tirelessly toward these goals. Now I am heading to England to develop myself by observing their training methods. I will make a deal with a team during this period if the terms are fully agreed upon.