Istanbul: The Croatian coach of Istanbul giants Besiktas, Slaven Bilic, who has been linked with a move to the English Premier League, confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, reports said on Monday.
Bilic made the announcement following his team’s 2-0 loss to Istanbul rivals Galatasaray on Sunday that means his side can only finish third in the Super Lig.
“Of course a decision has been taken. You know that decision already. Of course I will not continue as coach of Besiktas,” he said, quoted by Turkish media, including the Hurriyet daily.
“I take all responsibility on myself. Besiktas begins each season with the target of being champions and for the two seasons we have not been champions. There are reasons but the primary responsibility is mine,” he said.
His departure from Besiktas comes as Bilic is being closely linked to a return to West Ham in the English Premier League, where he had a playing spell in the 1990s.
