Kocaelispor manager Selçuk İnan addressed his future with the club on Sunday, confirming ongoing contract discussions as the team prepares for a crucial match against Rams Başakşehir. The update comes as Kocaelispor navigates a challenging stretch in the Trendyol Süper Lig and balances ambitions for continued success under İnan’s leadership.
Speaking to the press following a training session, İnan expressed his deep affection for Kocaelispor and its passionate fanbase. “I love Kocaelispor very much, I love the fans very much,” he said, as reported by multiple Turkish news outlets. “I would be honored to work here. I also want to continue here. There is no reason for this not to happen.”
The comments signal a clear desire from the former Turkish international to remain at the helm of the club, a sentiment echoed by club officials. İnan acknowledged that talks with management are progressing positively, though details remain to be finalized. “We are having conversations. The managers, the president, especially, have been very interested. I want it very much, there is no reason for it not to happen. We are continuing to discuss what we can do next season and hopefully we will share this information with you soon,” he stated.
Kocaelispor is currently preparing for their Week 28 clash against Rams Başakşehir on April 6th at Kocaeli Stadium. The team is aiming to rebound from recent league losses and maintain their position in the competitive Süper Lig table. İnan emphasized the importance of securing a victory in front of their home supporters, acknowledging Başakşehir’s established quality and experience.
“Başakşehir is a team that has had a certain squad quality for years and plays well. We all know that. We will be playing against a strong team, but we have previously had good performances against strong teams and won matches. We want to repeat that,” İnan explained. He also highlighted the team’s commitment to delivering an attractive style of play that resonates with the fans.
The timing of İnan’s comments is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the international break and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff final featuring the Turkish national team against Kosovo. İnan offered his full support to the national team, expressing excitement and confidence in their ability to secure a spot in the tournament. “We are very excited. We will be praying for them from here. They are all very talented, very characterful players. Players who fully know the weight of the national team jersey. I sincerely believe they will secure the result we all want today. I believe that wholeheartedly. We have wanted to be at the World Cup for many years. I wish them success. God help them. We will supply them all the support we can from the outside. Hopefully, they will win the match today,” he said.
Despite recent setbacks – two consecutive league defeats prior to the international break – İnan remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He believes the break has provided a valuable opportunity for rest and regrouping, allowing the squad to refocus on their objectives. “The international break came at a good time for the team,” he noted. “We lost the last two matches, but…”
The team’s preparation for the Başakşehir match has been somewhat disrupted by the absence of several players called up for international duty. İnan confirmed that the team will not be at full strength until Thursday, but expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and perform effectively. Anfernee Dijksteel, a defender for Kocaelispor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the international break had been beneficial for the squad. He also emphasized the importance of a strong performance against Başakşehir.
“The international break was good for us,” Dijksteel said. “Being called up to the national team is a source of pride for everyone. We unfortunately couldn’t qualify for the World Cup, but we are focused on the match against Başakşehir. We are working on our preparations and demand to perform well as a team.”
Currently, Kocaelispor has seven matches remaining in the season. İnan stated the team’s immediate focus is to accumulate as many points as possible and to develop a clear plan for elevating the club’s performance in the future. The manager’s commitment to a long-term vision for Kocaelispor is evident in his desire to extend his tenure and build a sustainable path to success.
The club confirmed that several players – Jovanovic, Petkovic, Haidara and Balogh – were absent from training due to injury. Further updates on their availability for the Başakşehir match are expected in the coming days.
As Kocaelispor prepares for a pivotal stretch of games, the future of Selçuk İnan appears increasingly secure. His dedication to the club, coupled with ongoing contract negotiations, suggests a continued partnership that could propel Kocaelispor to new heights in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Kocaelispor will face Rams Başakşehir on April 6th at Kocaeli Stadium. Fans will be eager to witness their team return to winning form and continue their pursuit of a strong finish to the season.
