İsmail Kartal speaks out for the first time about his resignation after Roma match

Fenerbahçe are set to face Gaziantep FK away in matchweek 5 of the Trendyol Süper Lig. Ahead of this crucial fixture, head coach İsmail Kartal spoke publicly for the first time about the events surrounding his resignation after the Champions League match against Roma. The experienced manager stressed that he considers himself a product of the club and explained what had happened.

Kartal revealed that while the Roma match was tied 1-1, a water bottle was thrown at his head from the stands, an incident that deeply upset him. He said he felt it would not be right to remain in a place where the fans did not want him. By his own admission, he reacted emotionally at the end of the match and resigned. However, he noted that the club president and board members subsequently invited him in to discuss the matter openly.

Following that conversation, Kartal said there were no problems remaining, and he has since returned to his post and continued working. He added that his players were delighted by his return, noting that mutual trust between them remains strong. He emphasized that there is currently no discord within the squad.

Kartal acknowledged that the team's league form has not been up to standard, with two wins and two losses recorded in four matches so far. He stressed that Fenerbahçe take the field aiming to win every match and that every player in the squad holds value for him. He concluded by saying the team is looking to secure three points against Gaziantep FK to give the fans reason to celebrate.