Ensar Baykan Aims to Elevate Gulf Football with World-Class Knowledge

Learning from the Best: Klopp’s Influence

Speaking exclusively to Hussain Almaskati of TDT, Ensar Baykan reflected on his time at Dortmund, where he soaked in the high standards set by Klopp, the “heavy-metal” football he deployed, and the talented squad around him. "The training sessions under Jürgen Klopp were of course extremely fast-paced and high in quality. I had the opportunity to train with players like Robert Lewandowski, Mario Götze (who I also played with in youth), Marco Reus and Ilkay Gündoğan. It was inspiring to be on the pitch with these outstanding players and leaders."

Baykan spoke about the lessons he took from the coaches he worked with: “Their approaches, leadership style, and tactical skills impressed me and showed me the importance of constant development. I picked up a lot of details from these great coaches that will now benefit me in my own coaching career.”

Training with Legends at Borussia Dortmund

Baykan’s playing career provided him with an unparalleled football education. He had the rare privilege of training alongside some of the biggest names in the sport—Robert Lewandowski, Mario Götze, Marco Reus, and Ilkay Gündoğan. These were the stars who led Borussia Dortmund through one of the most successful periods in its history, winning the Bundesliga and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. Even more importantly, Baykan had the chance to be mentored by two of football's most respected coaches: Jürgen Klopp and David Wagner.

A Vision for Football in the Gulf Region

While Baykan is thriving in Germany’s competitive footballing environment, he envisions his future in the Gulf region, where he sees vast potential for football development. “What I particularly like about this region is the beautiful culture and the warm people. They have become very dear to me. I also see great potential in the players here in terms of football. All you need is the right training and discipline, as in Germany."

Building a High-Tempo, Offensive Style of Play

Baykan’s philosophy as a coach centers on high-tempo, offensive football. “As a former offensive player, offensive football is of course particularly close to my heart. I want the ball to always be moved with speed, pace, and dynamism,” he shared. Inspired by the youth development models of clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, and his former club Borussia Dortmund, he is passionate about building young talent.

Looking to the Future in the Gulf

Having already gained considerable experience as a player and coach, Baykan is now eager to contribute to the footballing culture of the Gulf. “I am 100 percent convinced that I can advance this region in terms of football. With my knowledge and experience, I am sure that I can make a valuable contribution to developing this potential in the Gulf region.”

As Ensar Baykan continues to grow in his coaching career, it is clear that the lessons he learned from elite football will have a profound impact on the teams and players he mentors in the years to come.