Kocaelispor to start preparations for the 2026-27 season in Riva, camp squad finalized

The Green-Black team Kocaelispor is beginning its preparation processes for the 2026-27 season following the end of the approximately 50-day end-of-season break granted after the last league match played on 17 May. In line with the strategy determined by the technical director and management, and due to maintenance work at the Brunga Facilities, it was decided to hold the first phase camp at the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Riva Facilities in Istanbul. The team will gather at the facilities at 17:00 to hold the first training session of the new season and start conditioning loads in the evening. During this critical preparation phase, an intense and disciplined double training program will be implemented to measure the players' physical capacities and ensure pre-season adaptation.

In the first phase camp to be held at TFF Riva Facilities, critical physical and tactical works will be carried out that will determine the team's tempo for the rest of the season. During this period, which will last until 17 July, intense conditioning loads will be conducted to increase the players' endurance levels, and performance metrics will be monitored in detail. Before starting the season, it is planned to play two preparation matches during the camp to establish team chemistry and tactical harmony, with the aim of gaining match rhythm for the team. Following the completion of the first phase camp, a three-day leave period is planned to balance the physical load on the players and refresh them mentally.

The squad of 33 players included in the first phase camp features a mix of successful names from last season, promising young talents, and new transfers. 16 experienced players who retained their place from the squad with championship aspirations last season are accompanied by 3 new transfers who have joined the team and show promise. Additionally, 10 young talents regarded as future star candidates from the club's academy have been promoted to the A-team level. Furthermore, 6 players who returned to the squad after gaining experience during loan periods at different teams have taken their place in the camp squad to add strength to the team's competitive structure.

According to the plan, following the completion of the first phase studies in Istanbul Riva, the green-blacks will move to Düzce on 20 July for the second and more comprehensive camp phase. In the camp established in Düzce, the comfortable amenities of Fenerbahçe Topuk Yaylası Facilities will be utilized, and with the season approaching, tactical studies will be prioritized. It is stated that at least 3 preparation matches are planned in this second phase, which will continue until 2 August, to maximize match condition and settle the game system to be played.

It was announced that goalkeeper Jovanovic, who is in the camp squad but has undergone health checks, will not be able to participate in the first phase camp in Istanbul Riva due to ongoing injury treatment and will continue his individual rehabilitation program. It is aimed that new transfers Makana Baku, Onurcan Piri, and Uğur Kaan Yıldız will integrate by taking to the field with the team from day one, while young talents invited from the academy such as Talha Polat, Muhammed Efe Küçük, and Esat Yusuf Narin are observed to have the opportunity to prove themselves at the A-team level. It was emphasized that the integration of Mustafa Efe Bilim, Bedirhan Yıldız, and others returning from loan periods will be closely monitored by the technical staff.