Turkish manager Fatih Terim signs with Al-Shabab, leads 1st training in Qatar
News Update December 29, 2024 01:02 AM
Turkish manager Fatih Terim signed with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab and led his first training session in Doha, Qatar. Arriving from Istanbul, Terim was warmly greeted by club officials before meeting his new squad on the pitch.
Why it matters
Terim’s appointment at Al-Shabab adds another high-profile name to the Saudi Pro League, which has been attracting global attention and star talent. Known for his successful stints with top European and Turkiye-based clubs, Terim brings significant experience to a league positioning itself among the world’s most competitive.
Details
First session: Terim, 71, conducted an initial workout featuring warm-up drills, passing exercises, and a small-sided match. His backroom staff includes familiar faces such as Hamza Hamzaoglu, Levent Sahin, Metin Cakiroglu, Ozan Ozerkan, Yasin Kucuk, Mert Cetin and Eray Sozen.
Current standing: Al-Shabab sits sixth in the Saudi Pro League with 23 points through 13 matches. The team is aiming to climb the table under Terim’s guidance.
Arrival in Doha: Terim landed in Qatar, where Al-Shabab is holding camp, after boarding a private flight from Istanbul. Club officials greeted him at Hamad International Airport, presenting him with an Al-Shabab scarf.
Coach Fatih Terim, who signed an agreement with Al-Shabab, one of the Saudi Arabian Pro League teams, went to his first training session with his new team. Terim, who flew from Istanbul yesterday to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the team is camping, met with the team for the first time today. ( Mohammed Dabbous – Anadolu Agency )Coach Fatih Terim, who signed an agreement with Al-Shabab, one of the Saudi Arabian Pro League teams, went to his first training session with his new team. Terim, who flew from Istanbul yesterday to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the team is camping, met with the team for the first time today. ( Mohammed Dabbous – Anadolu Agency )Coach Fatih Terim, who signed an agreement with Al-Shabab, one of the Saudi Arabian Pro League teams, went to his first training session with his new team. Terim, who flew from Istanbul yesterday to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the team is camping, met with the team for the first time today. ( Mohammed Dabbous – Anadolu Agency )Coach Fatih Terim, who signed an agreement with Al-Shabab, one of the Saudi Arabian Pro League teams, went to his first training session with his new team. Terim, who flew from Istanbul yesterday to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the team is camping, met with the team for the first time today. ( Mohammed Dabbous – Anadolu Agency )
Zoom in
Terim described the Saudi Pro League as a rapidly growing competition that has caught global attention, especially after notable signings of both star players and experienced coaches. He acknowledged receiving multiple offers from Asia and Europe during his downtime but stated that the opportunity with Al-Shabab stood out as a new challenge.
Zoom out
Beyond Al-Shabab, Terim also commented on Turkiye’s national team, expressing optimism about its FIFA World Cup prospects. As one of Turkiye’s most celebrated coaches, his move to Saudi Arabia reflects the league’s evolving reputation and ongoing efforts to attract worldwide football talent and expertise.
