Andrea Pirlo will soon be back in the dugout after being named the next manager of Fatih Karagumruk - one year after being sacked by Juventus.
The Italy legend was handed the top job in Turin two years ago but lasted just a season as his side scraped into the top four in Serie A after surrendering their stranglehold on the league title. Now, Pirlo has a chance to prove himself in Turkey with a side who finished eighth last term.
Fatih Karagumruk have only been back in the top flight since 2020, finishing in mid-table in each of their two seasons. Pirlo is tasked with challenging the established order as the club set their sights on the Super Lig title. Their current squad boasts ex-Liverpool star Fabio Borini and former Leicester man Ahmed Musa.
The club said in a statement: "The world-famous football man recently coached Juventus, one of the most important clubs in Europe. Having also had Champions League experience with Juventus, Pirlo signed the contract that made him a member of Karagumruk for 1 year, starting on 1 July.
"Andrea Pirlo's press conference will be held on Tuesday, June 14, and the place and time will be announced later by our club. We welcome our coach Andrea Pirlo and wish him success."
Pirlo's managerial career was due to begin with Juventus Under-23, but he was quickly handed the main job with the Bianconeri following Maurizio Sarri's sacking. Whilst in charge at the Allianz Stadium, he won 34 of his 52 games, losing just eight.
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Pirlo was axed following his underwhelming season in charge but the club highlighted their confidence in his future as a manager. They said: "Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the 'other side' of the fence.
"And since in football, what counts are the victories, let's remember them: in the space of a few short months Pirlo's Juve has raised two trophies: The Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. And he, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou.
"For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one."
