3. Developing Players

Bilic took over an inexperienced side when he was appointed Beşiktaş manager in 2013. Several players have since developed into some of the most sought after players in the league under his watch. Central midfielder Veli Kavlak was mocked by Beşiktaş fans prior to Bilic’s appointment but is now being scouted by clubs across Europe. Former Chelsea youth Gökhan Töre has only started living up to his potential under the the 47-year-old coach and the same can be said for Kerim Frei and Colombian international Pedro Franco. Demba Ba who has been in prolific form this season (28 goals) underlined that he has Bilic to thank for his goal tally this season. “He gave me that confidence, always telling me I was the best and at the end of the day I scored a lot of goals for him and Besiktas so that’s something I will take away from working with him,” Ba said speaking to Claret and Hugh at the Human Appeal Celebrity Gala Football dinner at the Marriott Hotel.