Turkish football bids farewell to German coach Werner Lorant
Former Fenerbahçe coach Werner Lorant is welcomed with flowers upon his arrival during his tenure with the Turkish club in Istanbul, Türkiye, accessed on April 21, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Renowned German football coach Werner Lorant, who briefly managed Türkiye’s Fenerbahce, passed away at the age of 76 in Wasserburg, Germany, on Sunday, after battling a severe illness for more than a year and a half.
The Turkish Football Federation and Fenerbahce expressed their condolences to Lorant’s family, sharing messages of sympathy and sorrow over his passing.
A minute of silence was observed in his memory before the match between Fenerbahce and Kayserispor.
Lorant’s historic 6–0 victory over Galatasaray remains unforgettable
Lorant, who took charge of Fenerbahce during the first half of the 2002–2003 season, left a lasting legacy with one of the most iconic match victories in the club’s history.
On Nov. 6, 2002, Fenerbahce achieved an unprecedented 6–0 win over archrival Galatasaray in what remains the most lopsided result in the history of the Intercontinental Derby.
His post-match remark, “Cowards can’t win”, became a defining quote remembered by fans to this day.
In addition to his time at Fenerbahce, Lorant also managed Turkish clubs Sivasspor, Kayseri Erciyesspor, and Kasimpasa.
The experienced coach held positions across several countries throughout his career, including stints in Southern Cyprus, Iran, Slovakia, China, and Austria.
