Ridvan Yilmaz has noted the key difference between life under Michael Beale and Giovanni van Bronckhorst as he ruled out leaving the club this summer.
The Turkish full-back was signed last season for a big money fee from Besiktas but struggled for game-time with Borna Barisic preferred on the left-side. He eventually got his chance but suffered an injury that ruled him out for an extended period before new boss Beale handed him the opportunity to impress in the end of season run-in and stake a claim.
Yilmaz has openly admitted he wasn't physically ready for the challenges of playing in Scotland stating strength is a 'very different level' to his homeland. The Light Blues have given the defender a program to follow and he continues to work hard behind the scenes ahead of the pre-season return as he bids to show he should be a No1 pick next term.
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Asked about his future, Yilmaz told TRT Spor: "At the moment, I don't have any plans to return to Turkey."
On the difference between Van Bronckhorst and his current boss, he added: "We were more like friends with him. He used to joke with us. Michael Beale, who is currently the coach of the team, is a bit more serious.
"I was not physically ready when I first went to Scotland. They said that my physique could improve when I gained a little weight. They gave me a program and I followed it.
"The physical quality is higher in Scotland. When we look at work physically, they are much stronger than us.
"Both training and matches are very tough. Strength in Scotland is very different level."
