Besiktas have appointed Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their new manager after seeing bitter rivals Fenerbahce lure Jose Mourinho to Turkey.
Mourinho appointed as Fenerbahce boss
Van Bronckhorst hired by Besiktas
Istanbul derby always heated
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Besiktas have announced the appointment of former Arsenal and Barcelona ace Van Bronckhorst, following the Dutchman’s departure from Rangers in 2022. Van Bronckhorst’s arrival coincides with Fenerbahce hiring Mourinho, meaning the two will go head to head in the Istanbul derby next season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Besiktas appointed Fernando Santos in January, but parted company with the manager in April, leading them back to another managerial search. They had been linked with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but appear to have snubbed the Norwegian in favour of the Dutch tactician.
DID YOU KNOW?
Besiktas finished in a lowly sixth in the Super Lig in 2023-24 and have not won the title in Turkey since 2020-21. Nevertheless, they have lifted the top-flight trophy 16 times, and Van Bronckhorst will be under pressure to return the club to their former glories.
WHAT NEXT?
Van Bronckhorst may begin reshaping his squad this summer as Besiktas aim to improve on a dismal campaign. They will, of course, be out to better Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
