Fenerbahçe parted ways with head coach İsmail Kartal after 18 official matches, managing 9 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, following a 2–1 Süper Lig defeat against Galatasaray.
Samandıra Decision Follows Rams Park Defeat
Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım and board members held a critical meeting at Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities after the 2–1 loss at Rams Park on matchday 9. Yıldırım and Cihan Kamer traveled to the training ground to meet with technical staff and players. Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım with football operations executive Cihan Kamer and Oğuz Çetin went to the Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities to meet. During the gathering, the vast majority of the yellow-lacivert management conveyed the view that a managerial change would be more appropriate.
Kamuoyuna Duyuru pic.twitter.com/OBQus4dmii
Board Accepts Resignation as Kartal Era Ends
İsmail Kartal submitted his resignation to the board during the facility meetings, which officials formally accepted. Fenerbahçe announced the separation through the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), stating that the coach shared his decision to leave and that both parties agreed to part ways mutually. Hürriyet documented that Kartal’s fourth tenure yielded 34 goals scored and 20 conceded across all competitions. Aziz Yıldırım met with İsmail Kartal in the evening hours and accepted Kartal’s resignation, with both sides agreeing mutually to part ways.
Kuyt Steps In Amid Search for Permanent Coach
Dirk Kuyt took charge of the squad on an interim basis while the club evaluates managerial candidates. Fenerbahçe’s shortlist includes former Turkey national team coach Vincenzo Montella and Lugano manager Mattia Croci-Torti. Montella left the national team post on October 9, 2026, while Croci-Torti remains under contract with Swiss club Lugano through June 2028.
🚨 Fenerbahçe Yönetim Kurulu’ndaki büyük çoğunluk, İsmail Kartal ile yolların ayrılmasını ve sezona yabancı bir teknik direktörle devam edilmesini istiyor.
Earlier Stints and Past Remarks on Kartal’s Future
During the Ordinary High Council Meeting, remarks made by Aziz Yıldırım regarding İsmail Kartal came to mind. Yıldırım had stated, I said ‘İsmail Kartal is not in my mind.’ Didn’t you speak out against me at every meeting I attended to avoid bringing in Aykut Kocaman? Didn’t you all say ‘Let Aykut not be’? Didn’t you say ‘Bring İsmail Hoca’? So what do you want?
Previously, club president Aziz Yıldırım had stated at a high council meeting regarding İsmail Kartal’s future, İsmail Kartal resigned, know that I will not send him away. Until I leave, if İsmail Kartal does not want to leave, I will not send him away.
Technical Director İsmail Kartal had previously decided to resign following a Champions League match against Roma, after which Oğuz Çetin and Aziz Yıldırım persuaded Kartal to abandon his resignation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Management Change
What were İsmail Kartal’s overall statistics during his fourth stint at Fenerbahçe?
Kartal managed 18 official matches during his latest period, recording 9 victories, 5 draws, and 4 defeats. His team scored 34 goals while conceding 20.
Who is currently managing the team while the club searches for a permanent head coach?
Dirk Kuyt oversees training and match preparations on an interim basis until the board appoints a permanent successor.
What are the primary candidates mentioned for the managerial vacancy?
Former Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella and Lugano manager Mattia Croci-Torti were identified as the two primary foreign candidates evaluated by club management.
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