Fenerbahçe weigh seven candidates for coaching role as Kocaman emerges favourite
After parting ways with İsmail Kartal, Fenerbahçe are considering seven candidates for the head coach position, with Aykut Kocaman reported as the leading domestic name.
Fenerbahçe parted ways with head coach İsmail Kartal following a 2-1 away defeat to Galatasaray in matchweek nine of the Trendyol Süper Lig. The loss left the yellow-and-dark-blues on 16 points and dropped them to fifth place in the standings. Club management has since moved quickly to identify a replacement, with a decision expected soon.
According to reports, seven names are currently under consideration for the vacant post. One of them, Dirk Kuyt, reportedly had his agent tell Dutch media that Fenerbahçe's management promised him three matches in charge — against Göztepe, Liverpool, and an away fixture at Çorum. Per these claims, the team's results under Kuyt in those three games are expected to play a key role in the final decision.
Among the foreign candidates being discussed are Julian Nagelsmann, Jose Luis Mendilibar and Vincenzo Montella. However, with Fenerbahçe set to hold club elections in seven months, bringing in a foreign coach is seen as a more complicated option. As a result, greater attention within the club is reportedly being given to domestic candidates.
Among the Turkish names, Aykut Kocaman stands out, having previously managed Fenerbahçe between 2010-2013 and again in the 2017-2018 season, winning the Süper Lig title, the Turkish Cup and the Super Cup during his tenures. Some reports describe Kocaman as currently the top domestic candidate, though no official confirmation has come from the club. Other outlets have suggested that Kocaman would only accept an offer if sporting director Oğuz Çetin were to leave his post, though this claim likewise remains unverified.
Also mentioned among the candidates are Abdullah Avcı, who won the title with Trabzonspor, and Emre Belözoğlu, who currently manages Kasımpaşa and whose side sits level on points with Fenerbahçe this season. The club is expected to resolve the coaching situation in the near future. Whatever decision is reached by the management will have a direct impact on both this season's campaign and the upcoming election process.
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