Antalyaspor have initiated talks with Servet Çetin and Osman Özköylü for their vacant managerial position. The club has narrowed its candidate list to these two names following the departure of Bülent Korkmaz. According to a report this week by Ajansspor, the Antalyaspor board has accelerated its search for a new head coach amid a difficult period in the 1. Lig. The team has collected 6 points from 2 wins and 4 losses in six matches, leaving them in 14th place. This performance, featuring 9 goals scored and 12 conceded for a -3 goal difference, has left Antalyaspor 10 points behind leaders Batman Petrolspor.
Which manager candidates are in the frame?
Antalyaspor's management has focused on two experienced figures for the technical director role. The first is Servet Çetin, who previously worked as an assistant coach in the club's youth academy. Çetin was most recently in charge of Sarıyer and has also managed Sivasspor and Amed SK. The other strong candidate is Osman Özköylü, a well-known manager in Turkish football. Özköylü's long career includes spells at Esenler Erokspor, Pendikspor, Samsunspor, and Adana Demirspor. Interestingly, Esenler Erokspor, who are also making a managerial change, are in contact with the same two names. Erokspor have managed only 4 draws from 6 games and sit in 17th position.
What is Antalyaspor's current league situation?
The main reason for the managerial change is the team's performance in the early weeks of the season. Antalyaspor have lost their last five league matches, with a recent form of LWLLL. Defensive issues have led to them conceding 12 goals, while the 9 goals scored upfront have not been enough to compensate for the losses. This situation, which has opened a 10-point gap to the top, forced the board to act. Antalyaspor fans are waiting for a manager who can better utilise the potential within the club's squad. The team's next match is away against Muğlaspor on December 6, 2026. The appointment of a new manager is planned before this critical fixture. Supporters believe this change is necessary to improve the team's position in the current standings.
What is the background of the candidates?
Servet Çetin knows the club's structure well, having begun his coaching career in the Antalyaspor academy. He brings experience gained in recent years with clubs in the 1. Lig and 2. Lig. Osman Özköylü has a much broader and more varied background. Starting his career at Turanspor in 2007, Özköylü has worked at dozens of different clubs. This experience could be seen as an advantage in managing a team through tough league conditions. Both managers have worked at various levels of Turkish football. Antalyaspor's decision will need to balance the team's short-term need for results with long-term planning.
When could the new manager be announced?
According to Ajansspor, talks with both candidates are ongoing and a decision could be close. The club is said to want the new manager in place before the match against Muğlaspor on December 6th. This timeline would allow for preparation for other matches on the team's fixtures schedule. Antalyaspor need to show more consistent performance and improve their goal difference for the remainder of the season. The board is working to choose the right name to send a strong message to fans and league rivals. Antalyaspor's next fixture is an away match against Muğlaspor in December 2026.
