Coşkun Özarı (January 4,şkunÖzarı 1931 – June 22, 2011) was a Turkish football player and coach.

Born 1931 in Istanbul, Coşkun Özarı joined Galatasaray as a very young student. After graduating from Galatasaray Lycee, he first appeared in the Galatasaray starting line-up at the age of 17. The backbone of Galatasaray, as well as the national team defense for the next 13 years, Özarı was known for his hard tackling, but mild manners.

Coşkun Özarı

His leadership in defense led the team with Gündüz Kılıç as coach, Turgay Şeren in goal and Metin Oktay upfront, to several championships and Turkish Cup victories.

Coşkun Özarı

Özarı's career as a player ended early due to his desire to become a coach. In 1961, he attended a coaching seminar in England, led by Walter Winterbottom. When he returned home, he became Galatasaray's assistant coach. Three years later, he took over the head coach position from Kılıç and led the team to four championships.

Coşkun Özarı

When he was appointed national team coach, in 1965, he coached the team for 10 years. He managed the team from 1972 to 1976. He ended his coaching career in 1986 and became a sportswriter.

Death

Coşkun Özarı died on June 22, 2011, at a hospital in Istanbul. Following the religious funeral service held at Teşvikiye Mosque, attended by officials of major football clubs, his body was laid to rest at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.

See also

List of one-club men

References

1931 births

2011 deaths

Turkish men's footballers

Turkey men's international footballers

Galatasaray S.K. footballers

Galatasaray S.K. (football) managers

Turkish football managers

Süper Lig players

Süper Lig managers

Galatasaray High School alumni

Sportswriters

Turkey national football team managers

Burials at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery

Adana Demirspor managers

Men's association football defenders

Footballers from Istanbul