İsmail Kartal apologizes to fans after derby defeat

In the derby played at Chobani Stadium during the fourth week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe went ahead but ultimately fell 2-1 to Beşiktaş. The defeat marked the second home loss for the yellow-and-navy side in the opening four rounds of the season. Speaking after the match, head coach İsmail Kartal apologized to the supporters and said he took full responsibility for the result.

Kartal admitted his team had fallen well short of expectations, saying, 'We disappointed our fans, and the entire responsibility lies with me and my staff.' The experienced coach noted that Fenerbahçe had been outmatched in midfield and lacked sufficient possession, which allowed Beşiktaş to create chances. He explained that his side's playing identity revolves around controlling possession, but they failed to do so on the night, resorting to long balls that turned the game into a transition-heavy contest.

Kartal also criticized recent refereeing decisions, claiming that for four consecutive weeks his team had been denied penalties they deserved, with this match being the fourth such instance. In the second half, he had deployed Kerem Aktürkoğlu as a second striker to strengthen the midfield, but weak recovery runs after losing possession led directly to the second goal conceded. Asked about the club's transfer strategy, Kartal reiterated that all transfer decisions were made in coordination with the club's transfer committee.

Regarding the team's recurring struggle to score after the 66th minute, Kartal said this was simply a match-to-match variation rather than a systemic issue. He acknowledged that while the squad remained physically fit overall, they were neither physically nor tactically at their best that evening. The coach stressed that the team would learn from the defeat and shift its focus to upcoming fixtures.