Dirk Kuyt Set To Take Charge As Ismail Kartal Leaves Fenerbahce
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| Fenerbahce boss resigns after second attempt this season |
Assistant Dirk Kuyt is set to lead Fenerbahce against Goztepe after Ismail Kartal resigned following the derby defeat to Galatasaray, ending his fourth spell in charge.
Ismail Kartal resigns as Fenerbahce manager day after Galatasaray derby defeat...
Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal has resigned a day after the team's derby loss to Galatasaray, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
“Our head coach, Ismail Kartal, has informed our management of his decision to resign, and following discussions, this decision has been evaluated with mutual understanding and respect,” the club said in a statement shared on social media.
“We thank Ismail Kartal for his efforts, dedication, and commitment to Fenerbahce. We wish him success in his future career,” the club added.
Kartal, 65, returned for a fourth spell as Fenerbahce manager in June 2026 after the club parted ways with Domenico Tedesco following the 2025/26 season, which saw rivals Galatasaray clinch the Super Lig title by three points.
Fenerbahce suffered a 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray in the Intercontinental Derby on Monday. The result marked their third league loss this season, leaving them sixth in the Super Lig, six points adrift of Galatasaray.
The club, who last won the league 13 years ago, invested over €100 million in the summer on signings including Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, Vedat Muriqi, and Nathan Ake in a bid to end their title drought.
They have also struggled in the Champions League, collecting just two points from three games after 1-1 and 2-2 draws with Roma and Slavia Prague respectively, and a 6-0 thrashing by Aston Villa.
Kartal had previously attempted to step down earlier this season, announcing his resignation during the post-match press conference following the Champions League draw with Roma.
He said at the time: “I stepped down from my duties this evening. I made this decision to clear the way for my club. I resigned while the path is still clear, with no intention of ever returning.”
Kamuoyuna Duyuru https://t.co/OBQus4dmii
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) October 27, 2026
The resignation was rejected the next day, however, after club president Aziz Yildirim held an “emotional meeting” with Kartal and persuaded him to remain, even after he had already cleared out his office.
Following Kartal's departure, assistant manager Dirk Kuyt is expected to take charge of the team for this weekend's Super Lig clash against Goztepe.
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