Fenerbahçe part ways with İsmail Kartal

Fenerbahçe have ended the fourth spell of İsmail Kartal as head coach, with the club formally announcing via the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that his resignation request had been accepted. The decision followed a 2-1 away defeat to Galatasaray in week nine of the Süper Lig, a result that dropped Fenerbahçe to fifth place and six points behind the league leaders.

Kartal had previously offered his resignation after the Roma match, but reversed his decision under pressure from the club's management. Following the derby loss to Galatasaray, however, he chose to step down for a second time. His remarks at the post-match press conference drew significant attention, while the intense criticism from supporters in recent weeks is also cited among the factors that accelerated the process.

The 65-year-old veteran coach formally submitted his resignation after a meeting with the board at the club's Samandıra training facility, and the board subsequently accepted it. This brings an end to his fourth term in charge, which began on June 18. During this spell, Kartal led the team in 18 matches overall, nine in the UEFA Champions League and nine in the Süper Lig, recording nine wins, five draws and four defeats.

Dirk Kuyt is expected to take temporary charge of the first team. According to reports, the Dutch coach will lead the side in the upcoming home matches against Göztepe and Liverpool in Kadıköy. Kuyt is also expected to remain in charge for the league away fixtures against Çorum and Kocaelispor.

The club's management is expected to finalize its search for a permanent head coach before the upcoming international break. In the meantime, Fenerbahçe will host Göztepe at the Chobani Stadium on Saturday, October 31. Supporters and club officials alike are now watching closely to see who will take on the task of steadying the team.