Following a 2-1 defeat in the Süper Lig derby against Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe parted ways with head coach İsmail Kartal, prompting the club’s management to initiate a search for a successor with foreign managers leading the shortlist.
Fenerbahçe Management Targets Foreign Managers After Derby Defeat
Fenerbahçe initiated a search for a new head coach following a 2-1 defeat against Galatasaray in the Süper Lig derby that led to İsmail Kartal’s departure. Transfermarkt reported that Kartal left his position after 65-year-old manager and the club parted ways. Hürriyet reported that club writers noted Kartal’s fourth stint at the club placed him under immense pressure following previous spells with world-class coaches like José Mourinho.
Aziz Yıldırım, Oğuz Çetin, and Cihan Kamer managed the candidate selection process for the managerial vacancy. While management prioritized foreign candidates, local names also featured in discussions. Assistant coach Dirk Kuyt will manage the team for their upcoming fixture against Göztepe, according to Transfermarkt.
🚨 İsmail Kartal ile birlikte göreve gelen teknik heyetin tamamının görevine son verildi. Kulüp bünyesindeki antrenörler ise yeni teknik adamla birlikte görevlerine devam edecek.
Vincenzo Montella and José Luis Mendilibar Emerge on the Shortlist
Vincenzo Montella tops the managerial shortlist after recently leaving his position with the Türkiye A National Team on October 9, Transfermarkt reported. The 52-year-old Italian coach managed the national team for 40 matches starting in September 2023, achieving a 1.70 points-per-match average. Montella previously managed Adana Demirspor in Turkey, where he recorded a 1.72 points-per-match average across 76 games.
José Luis Mendilibar also appears on the list of foreign candidates. The Spanish manager won the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla in 2023 and the UEFA Conference League with Olympiakos in 2024. Mendilibar managed the Greek side when they eliminated Fenerbahçe in the quarterfinals of the 2023/24 Conference League season.
🚨 Fenerbahçe Yönetim Kurulu’ndaki büyük çoğunluk, İsmail Kartal ile yolların ayrılmasını ve sezona yabancı bir teknik direktörle devam edilmesini istiyor.
Abdullah Avcı and Domestic Candidates Evaluated in the Search
Abdullah Avcı and Bülent Uygun emerged as the primary domestic candidates for the position, Transfermarkt reported. BeIN SPORTS reported that management made initial contact with Avcı and held a meeting with the experienced manager, who led Trabzonspor to the Süper Lig title in the 2021/22 season. Bülent Uygun also awaits a potential offer, while Aykut Kocaman and Ersun Yanal do not feature in current planning.
Journalist Reşat Can Özbudak reported that Lugano manager Mattia Croci-Torti also featured among the candidates considered by Fenerbahçe. The 44-year-old manager has a contract with Lugano until June 2028 and recorded 18 wins and 3 draws in 21 matches this season, achieving a 2.71 points-per-match average.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fenerbahçe Managerial Search
When did Vincenzo Montella leave the Türkiye A National Team?
Vincenzo Montella departed from his role with the national team on October 9, after taking charge in September 2023 and overseeing 40 matches.
Which international trophies have José Luis Mendilibar won?
José Luis Mendilibar secured the UEFA Europa League title with Sevilla in 2023 and followed it by winning the UEFA Conference League with Olympiakos in 2024.
Who will manage Fenerbahçe in their next match against Göztepe?
Assistant coach Dirk Kuyt is expected to lead the team from the touchline for the fixture against Göztepe while the club finalizes its permanent managerial appointment.
What was Mattia Croci-Torti’s points average at Lugano?
Mattia Croci-Torti achieved a 2.71 points-per-match average across 21 games this season with 18 victories and 3 draws.
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