Levent Sürme (born Arca Levent Sürme on March 30, 1983, in Istanbul) is a UEFA Pro–licensed football coach with over two decades of experience across elite youth development and international management. His career path includes long-term roles at FC Augsburg and RB Leipzig, where he worked alongside coaching luminaries such as Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, and Manuel Baum. In his consulting work, he continues to collaborate with performance experts like Bernhard Peters, combining tactical innovation with a deep understanding of player psychology and development.
Sürme is known for his high-intensity football and for adapting his tactical systems to the strengths and personalities of his players, rather than enforcing rigid structures. His work with emerging Turkish stars such as Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Kenan Yıldız (Juventus Turin), Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray), Bertuğ Yıldırım (Getafe) and Yunus Emre Konak (Brentford) reflects his ability to prepare talents for elite European football.
Early Life & Education
Born in Istanbul to a bicultural Turkish–German family, Sürme moved to Germany to pursue higher education. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Augsburg while building his coaching foundations. In parallel to his academic path, he pursued all UEFA coaching licenses, culminating in the UEFA Pro Licence in 2023.
Coaching Career
- Turkey U21 (2021–2024)
- RB Leipzig Youth (2018–2020)
- FC Augsburg Youth (2003–2018)
Mentorship & Influences
Throughout his career, Sürme has had the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from some of the most respected figures in football:
- Thomas Tuchel (FC Augsburg): Shared insights during their time at the club’s youth academy.
- Ralf Rangnick & Helmut Groß (RB Leipzig): Worked within the Red Bull philosophy, focusing on pressing, transitions, and data integration.
- Bernhard Peters: Joint work on high-performance concepts and consulting projects for clubs and federations.
These collaborations have shaped Sürme’s holistic approach to coaching, merging tactical clarity with psychological empowerment and modern leadership.
Our Exclusive Interview with Levent Sürme
What inspired you to transition from youth coaching in Germany to taking on national-team roles for Turkey?
From 2003 to 2020, I worked in club football, first at FC Augsburg, then at RB Leipzig. When the opportunity came to contribute to Turkish football at the national level, I saw it as more than just a step forward. In Turkey, people often talk about the untapped potential that gets lost along the way. I wanted to change that. My goal was to unlock that potential—to help players realize what they’re truly capable of, both on and off the pitch.
Over the past years, we’ve guided several young players into European top leagues, and we didn’t just work on football. We focused on mindset, habits, communication, and emotional resilience. For me, national-team work isn’t just about matches, it’s about shaping people, not just players. That’s what inspired me.
How do you balance long-term project development with the daily demands of preparing a youth national team for competitive qualifiers?
It’s all about clarity and consistency. We define strong development principles that guide everything we do, from training design to team communication. At the same time, we must deliver results. I treat every training session as a moment to build the bigger picture while preparing players to compete today. We empower players by helping them understand the “why,” not just the “how.” When they feel ownership, they commit deeply.
Which mentor or figure has had the greatest influence on your coaching philosophy?
I’ve learned from many, but working around people like Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, and Bernhard Peters shaped my thinking profoundly. Tuchel taught me to look deeper into details. Rangnick inspired me with his clarity, intensity, and systemic thinking. Peters showed me how to connect long-term development with performance. I’ve always aimed to take the best from each and translate it into something that fits my own style.
What books, research topics, or areas of study do you pursue in your personal time to sharpen your tactical and leadership skills?
I read broadly across psychology, leadership, and tactical theory. Books like “Legacy” by James Kerr or “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle have influenced how I think about team dynamics. I’m interested in game theory, decision-making under pressure, and tactical periodization. I also explore topics like cognitive training and the impact of language in leadership.
How do you navigate the cultural and operational differences you’ve encountered coaching in Germany’s academy systems versus Turkey’s national setup?
Germany offers structure, planning, and long-term thinking. Turkey brings passion, flexibility, and emotional strength. I tried to bring the best of both worlds together. In Turkey, I introduced more structured processes and data usage. At the same time, I embraced the emotional power and adaptive mindset of Turkish players. Coaching across cultures teaches you to lead with empathy and precision.
After leaving the U21s in 2024, what are your next ambitions, are you targeting senior club roles, international appointments, or perhaps another path within football?
I’m ready for a new challenge, ideally in senior club football. I’m looking for a project that allows me to build a team identity, develop individuals, and compete at a high level. Whether it’s in Germany, Turkey, or elsewhere in the world, I want to work in an environment that values growth, honesty, and shared responsibility. Long-term success requires clarity, courage, and collaboration, that’s what I bring to the table.