Sepp Piontek, former head coach of our Senior National Team and Bursaspor, has passed away at the age of 85. German coach, who served as Türkiye's head coach for three years between 1990 and 1993, made significant contributions to the first steps taken on the path toward our Senior National Team's rise on the international football stage.

During his professional playing career between 1958 and 1972, Piontek played for Germania Leer and Werder Bremen in his home country. With Bremen side, he won DFB-Pokal in 1961 and Bundesliga title in 1965. Piontek also represented West Germany Senior National Team on six occasions.

Piontek began his managerial career at Werder Bremen, where he had spent many years as a player. He later coached Fortuna Düsseldorf, Haiti and St. Pauli before taking charge of Denmark in 1979. During his 11-year tenure, he led Denmark to FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history in 1986. Under his management, Denmark reached the semi-finals of EURO 1984 and were eliminated in the group stage of EURO 1988. Piontek is also remembered in Denmark as one of the first coaches in Europe to implement the 3-5-2 tactical system.

After leaving Denmark in 1990 to take over Türkiye Senior National Team, Piontek managed our side in 27 matches, recording 4 wins, 8 draws and 15 defeats. Following his tenure with our National Team, he served at Bursaspor between 1993 and 1995, and later coached Danish clubs Aalborg and Silkeborg. He concluded his managerial career with Greenland National Team.

As Turkish Football Federation, we express our deep sorrow over the passing of Sepp Piontek and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to German Football Association and Danish Football Association.