Article by Romeo Ene – Published Tuesday, 05 May 2026 22:45 / Updated Tuesday, 05 May 2026 22:45
Genclerbirligi is going through a nightmare season in Turkey, culminating in a radical decision after the defeat suffered in the 32nd stage, score 0-1, on the field of Karagumruk, the last place. The Ankara-based club have officially announced the departure of Volkan Demirel, marking their fifth coaching change in a single campaign.
Installed just two months ago, Volkan Demirel has failed to right the ship.
The final straw was last weekend's lackluster performance as Genclerbirligi lost to last-placed Karagumruk. The below-expected results convinced club officials to try one last desperate move to avoid relegation.
A carousel of dismissals: Demirel, out after the failure with the last ranked
The club made the announcement via social media and appointed Metin Diyadin to replace Demirel.
The new technician comes at an extremely complicated time for Genclerbirligi. The club is in 16th place, directly relegated, with 28 points, with two stages to go. They are one point behind Antalyaspor, the team in the first position that ensures staying in the first league.
The series of dismissals began in October 2025, with the removal of Huseyin Eroglu. Since then, the technical bench has become an “electric chair”:
Volkan Demirel had a lightning first tenure of 6 games, Metin Diyadin lasted 10 games until February, Levent Şahin set a negative record, being fired after only 18 days and 3 games played.
Volkan Demirel is back for a second term, but the adventure is now over after just 9 stages.
Instead of Demirel, the management appointed Metin Diyadin, who practically returns to the helm of the team to try the impossible in the last two rounds of the championship.
The mission of the new technician is an extremely complicated one. The situation in the ranking is critical for the group from the capital of Turkey.
With only two stages left to play, Genclerbirligi is on the relegation zone, but still has a mathematical chance of survival.
Genclerbirligi need to pick up a point from Antalyaspor in their last two matches to leave the “red zone”. Any misstep under Diyadin's command will send the team straight to the second tier.
Our club has reached a new agreement with the son of our community, Metin Diyadin, for the position of head coach.
Metin Diyadin, who proudly sweated for our red and black shirt for many years and who became one of the unforgettable names of the community with his attitude and character on the pitch, returns to where he belongs, at home, with all his experience and sense of belonging.
We welcome home our coach Metin Diyadin and his team and hope that this partnership marks the beginning of a successful new era for both our coach and our club.
– PRESS Genclerbirligi
Metin Diyadin, the old and new coach of Genclerbirligi // PHOTO: Instagram
Ranking in Turkey
