Hikmet Karaman aims to transform Zimbru's football culture
Turkish coach Hikmet Karaman was officially introduced at Zimbru by the club's vice president, Erman Calișir.
Karaman has signed a contract valid for one and a half years and has arrived at Zimbru with a coaching staff composed entirely of compatriots.
Hikmet Karaman, the new coach of Zimbru, has hit the ground running. The 64-year-old coach has already conducted several training sessions with the players. He has clear objectives for his tenure: foremost, he aims to learn the Romanian language, followed by restoring Zimbru to its former glory.
"The four remaining matches are crucial. In these matches, we will assess the current squad. After that, we will go into training camp for a month during the winter. I want to make a strong start in the Superliga, and I expect everyone to adopt a winning mentality. We aim to be champions. The supporters are very important to us. We have begun our work here, and I ask you to follow us as we have started off well. There is much to be done in terms of professionalism, but that is why I am here. For 22 years, only Sheriff has been the champion; now we want to be champions as well," stated the new coach of Zimbru Chișinău.
Karaman has brought his staff from Turkey, which includes Omer Karaman and Alper Şemsi Edis as assistant coaches, Cesur Kerestecioglu as a fitness coach, and Erdogan Ozdogan as a goalkeeping coach. All have extensive experience at clubs in Turkey's top two leagues.
Hikmet Karaman promises a complete transformation at Zimbru, albeit gradually. He expressed concern that other teams currently use the club's sports complex for their matches, which he considers unacceptable.
"We are Zimbru, the most important team in the Republic of Moldova. We have a team and a sports facility. As I see it, everyone plays football here. No one but Zimbru should be allowed to play on our field. This behaviour is indicative of amateurism. Contracts were made previously, allowing other teams to play here. Only my team should play on my field. This is just one example. It may seem a minor detail, but it matters. Step by step, we will implement changes. We will build the team. My scouting team is working diligently to recruit players, and after the month-long training camp, we will select the best," Karaman added.
Karaman is set to officially debut as head coach of the capital team in the derby against Sheriff. "El Clasico of Moldova" will take place on Sunday, October 27, in Tiraspol.
The new coach of Zimbru brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has held coaching positions at nearly all major clubs in Turkey, including serving as an assistant at Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. As a head coach, he has managed teams such as Kayserispor, Ankaragücü, Ankaraspor, Antalyaspor, Gaziantepspor, and Bursaspor. Karaman has a Turkish Cup title to his name, which he won in 2002 with Kocaelispor.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
