Gunduz Kılıc

Education

Born in 1918 in Istanbul, Gündüz Kılıç attended Galatasaray Lycee and then started his football career as a center forward with Galatasaray Saskatchewan.

Career

He was Ali Kılıç"s son and Altemur Kılıç"s brother. He was strong, big, well-educated, sophisticated, charismatic, charming and hungry for success. He never looked flashy, yet was never boring.

Kılıç was the mastermind behind the rise of Turkish football schooling football players that would become respectable managers after their career.

He took a break from his career in 1938, moving to Germany for a university education. Kılıç, who played 11 matches with the Turkey national football team, played for until 1953 except he played for Ankara Demirspor during his national service military obligation.

His 5 goals against Beşiktaş JK are still a record for all 3 Istanbulian derbies. His 5 goals were scored in the 43" (1-1), 58" (4-1), 73" (5-2), 76" (6-2) and 89" (9-2).

The "Gündüz Kılıç Revolution" started early one morning at in 1952, when he hung his uniform in his locker and put on his coaching suit and whistle without looking back.

Once the captain of the team, Gündüz Kılıç coached his former teammates and the bright young talents he added to the squad. He led his team to several championships after eighteen years without a championship between 1934 and 1952. He also transferred Turkish superstar Metin Oktay to the team

Under Kılıç, reached quarter-finals of the European Cup, with the Air Corps Milan side of Nereo Rocco ending their run.

Every player, student or supporter had found an exemplary man in Gündüz Kılıç: a man who performed so well, motivated so well, educates so well and brought out the very best in every single person he ever worked with. A true gentleman both on and off the field, Gündüz Kılıç helped to reach new targets.

His visionary coaching style and strong communication skills were to be the backbone of Turkish coaching for many years to come. The player, whose nickname was "Father", died in New York City, United States of America on 17 May 1980.

His body was transferred to Istanbul and was interred at the Aşiyan Asri Cemetery.

As player As manager.

Achievements

• Galatasaray Milli Küme: 1 1938-1939 Istanbul Football League: 1 1948-1949 Istanbul Futbol Kupası: 2 1941-1942, 1942–1943 Galatasaray Istanbul Football League: 2 1954-1955, 1955–1956 Süper Lig: 2 1961-1962, 1962–1963 Türkiye Kupası: 3 1962-1963, 1964–1965, 1965–1966 TFF Süper Kupa: 1 1966.