Parlatan Looks to the Future with Hope
Ankara Keciorengucu’s head coach Ersan Partalan stated that he is pleased with the team’s performance. Partalan said, “We are happy with the football we played, the points we earned, and our resilience on the field. Of course, there can always be better.”
Parlatan xplained to AA correspondent the efforts and goals they have at Ankara Keciorengucu.
He expressed that he started playing football at the age of 7 in Germany, saying, “I played in various youth teams and state selections. I played for the German U21 national team; I can say I was very talented. During this time, I received many offers, but I experienced some misfortunes, I lost my father at an early age, and I had injuries. Then in 1997, I transferred to Genclerbirligi and played professional football in Turkey for 5 years.”
Parlatan mentioned that he also played for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Mersin, and Elazig, and said, “I met my wife in Ankara, we got married, and our daughters were born here. I am a father of twin girls, who are now adults. In 2002, for various reasons, we preferred to go to Germany, and until 2019, I first played for various teams in Germany and then started coaching. In 2019, I came to Goztepe as an assistant coach alongside Ilhan Palut. After that, I worked as an assistant coach at Konyaspor and then went back to Germany as a head coach. Last season, I came to Bandirmaspor.”
He stated that he agreed with Ankara Keciorengucu at the beginning of the season and that his ideas aligned with the capital team, saying, “So far, everything is going well. There have been many changes in the team; we had to make many transfers. Keciorengucu went through troubled times last season; change was essential. So far, we don’t have a chance to be 100% happy with every transfer we made, but overall we are pleased with the team’s direction and player performances. In general, we are satisfied with the football we played, the points we earned, and our resilience on the field. Of course, there can always be better; we are working for that, and I am sure we will improve.”
With 3 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in 8 matches in Trendyol 1st League, he stated that his team is currently in 7th place, collecting 13 points, and continued:
“When we look at the matches we played, we were competitive in every game. In many matches, we were the side closer to winning compared to our opponents. Except for the Pendikspor match, we managed to take the lead in every match. In the Pendikspor match, we experienced a first; we fell behind but could respond, especially in the second half we played very well. We could have won one or two matches that ended in a draw in 8 weeks. There are such periods in football; they usually compensate themselves during the season. The most disappointing point for us was that one loss, the match we lost to Bandirmaspor at home. Losing a match at the last moment in the 90+5 with the last corner is certainly disappointing; if we could have drawn that match, we would have been the only undefeated team in the league.”
Parlatan emphasized the importance of developing a habit of not losing and showing resilience, stating, “It’s very important to perform at our best as a team on the field. We are demonstrating such an impression. We are not just a competitive team, but we also have a structure that develops. The key point here is the development of the players. Sometimes we give opportunities to our young players; the club’s structure is clear; we will compete and develop at the same time. Of course, we want to finish the league in the best possible way and in the top ranks.”
Regarding the absence of a team from Ankara in the Super League despite the dominance of Istanbul teams, Parlatan stated, “Of course, everyone wants maximum success. If we can achieve a family atmosphere by working hard together, which I think we have achieved so far, our chances of success in this league are high. I trust my team, I trust my club, and this shows that we are on the right track.”
He noted that it is unfortunate that no Ankara team is in the Super League, saying, “It’s a painful situation for any Ankara team not to be in the Super League. After all, it’s the capital, with a known population, capacity, and capabilities. I cannot know all the reasons, but there must be reasons.”
Regarding the support for Keciorengucu’s football schools and youth academy efforts, Parlatan added, “Of course, we consult with the youth academy coordinator; we are in constant communication. I watch their matches as much as I can. Today, for example, 4 of our players from the U19 team will join our training. I have a structure open to youth, wanting to give opportunities to young players. We try to keep communication at the highest level so that no good player slips through our fingers and we can develop them.”
