What is next for Terim-less Galatasaray?

Galatasaray Chairman Ünal Aysal, who once said he would head the İstanbul club with Terim staying at the helm of the football team, never wholeheartedly approved of Terim working for both teams and Aysal's management sacked the famous coach. “The fact that Mister Fatih Terim announced that he did not agree to renew his contract forced our board to look for new solutions,” the club explained on its website.

The club management was expecting the sought-after coach to answer their calls to renew his contract for a while but he procrastinated for weeks. It was then argued that Terim would instead pursue the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) offer to coach the national team. TFF President Yıldırım Demirören made it clear that the TFF wanted a long-term contract with the coach rather than a short stint. However, a couple of weeks ago, Terim, who was in charge for the last two seasons when Galatasaray won the domestic title and reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season, said he would not just sign to make “somebody” feel relieved and vowed to stay at the club until he was fired.

The rift between Terim and the administration has been indeed had a negative impact on the team since this season started. The biggest blow for the team was the humiliating 6-1 loss on its home turf against Spanish giant Real Madrid in the Champions League. Things were not going great in the domestic league either, as the Lions drew in three matches in the first four weeks.

Terim's next destination after Galatasaray is more or less obvious -- the national team -- but what will happen to Galatasaray is not so clear. For now, it seems that days of trouble are likely ahead for the İstanbul giant. The star-studded Lions were the absolute favorites to win the domestic trophy as its two strongest rivals -- Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş -- have been dispirited after being banned from European competitions this season. In fact, Galatasaray's chances of advancing from the group stage in the lucrative Champions League were high. But in the post-Terim era, it is in question whether or not the team will crumble or show staying power.

The fans pledged their loyalty to the “İmparator” (Emperor) Terim, as the coach is known, on social media after the decision was made public. Speaking to reporters, Galatasaray press spokesman Şükrü Ergün, however, said the club is also receiving applause for firing Terim.

At this moment the Galatasaray administration is apparently drawing criticism from many fans. It will take a long time before Galatasaray finds peace again and pursues its dreams in the Champions League.