Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal resigns a day after derby defeat to Galatasaray

Resignation after the derby

Ismail Kartal has stepped down as head coach of Fenerbahce, a day after the Turkish club lost 2-1 at Galatasaray in the Istanbul derby on Monday, 26 October. The 65-year-old's decision was announced on 27 October on the club's official website and on X. Fenerbahce said the decision followed talks between Kartal and the management and that it was made for sporting reasons. The club thanked him for his effort, dedication and loyalty. The exit ends weeks of confusion over his future, as Kartal had returned to the club in June.

A resignation reversed in September

Kartal first announced his resignation in early September, at a press conference after a 1-1 draw with AS Roma in the Champions League opener. Reports say a bottle struck him on the head during that match, which left him angry. Club president Aziz Yildirim publicly rejected the resignation at the time. The board only accepted it a little over a month later, so the current separation is the second attempt by Kartal to leave.

Results and squad

Fenerbahce are fifth in the Süper Lig with 16 points from nine matches, six points behind the leaders, Galatasaray. In the Champions League they have two points so far and are still seeking their first win in the competition. They were thrashed 6-0 by Aston Villa. According to SAPO, Kartal won nine of his 18 matches this season in charge. The squad includes Romelu Lukaku, who joined in the summer, along with Milan Skriniar, N'Golo Kanté and Marco Asensio.

Board plans and successor

SAPO, citing Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, reported that most of the Fenerbahce board wanted to dismiss Kartal immediately and appoint a foreign coach for the rest of the season. Neither the club nor the reports have named that successor. BBC Türkçe noted that the club had not yet said who would lead the team after Kartal. For now, the squad faces the next stage of the season without a confirmed head coach.