The 40-year-old, who spent more than 20 years at the club as a defender, has signed an 18-month contract and will be in charge for Thursday's UEFA Cup game against Bordeaux.

The Istanbul club have disappointed this season and lie fifth in the Super Lig standings - eight points behind leaders Sivasspor.

A 5-2 defeat at home by lowly Kocaelispor yesterday proved the final straw for the club's board of directors.

"We've had a tough season in the league," said Skibbe today.

"We had a lot of complications with players getting injured one after the other.

"What happened in the last two games - against Antalyaspor and Kocaelispor - was the turning point.

"Galatasaray have been very important for me and I would have rather seen my big adventure have a happy ending.

"Now I wish my team every success and to get a positive result against Bordeaux."

Gala will face Bordeaux on Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Cup last 32 clash.

Despite having led his side to a goalless draw in the opening match in France last week, Skibbe felt it was defensive frailties which had cost him his job.

"Not having enough defensive players stopped us from achieving what we wanted," he said.

"The key to any team is not only playing attacking football but also being strong in defence as well.

"We couldn't do that in the league, although we did in UEFA Cup games."

Bulent represented Gala, the only club he ever played for, between 1984 and 2005, amassing over 100 caps for Turkey in that time.

He has had brief coaching spells at Kayseri Erciyesspor, Bursaspor and Genclerbirligi.