Fenerbahçe appoints Kuyt as interim boss, eyes Kocaman

Fenerbahçe have made a major decision regarding their coaching staff after suffering a 2-1 away defeat to Galatasaray in the ninth round of the Trendyol Süper Lig, a result that left them six points behind the league leaders. The club officially confirmed the departure of head coach İsmail Kartal, who had only been appointed at the start of the season. In a statement, the club explained that Kartal had communicated his decision to resign to the management, and that the parting of ways was reached with mutual understanding and respect.

Fenerbahçe's management thanked Kartal for his dedication and commitment to the club, wishing him success in his future career. With the coaching position now vacant, the club quickly moved to find a temporary solution. An official announcement revealed that assistant coach Dirk Kuyt has been appointed as technical manager of the first team until a new head coach is appointed.

Amid these developments, Aykut Kocaman has emerged as the most notable name linked with the vacant position. According to reports, the experienced coach traveled from Bodrum to Istanbul immediately after Kartal's resignation. However, it is understood that the club's management has not yet held an official meeting with him. According to reports, Kocaman is reportedly open to returning to the role should Fenerbahçe make him a formal offer.

Notably, Fenerbahçe had actually intended to appoint Aykut Kocaman at the beginning of the season but changed course at the last minute, opting instead to sign İsmail Kartal. The 61-year-old coach, who most recently managed Başakşehir, has been without a club since October 4, 2021. During his previous spell at Fenerbahçe, Kocaman led the club to one Süper Lig title, two Turkish Cups, and one Super Cup, and he also won a Turkish Cup with Konyaspor.