Fenerbahçe, İsmail Kartal and Dirk Kuyt
27 October 2026
Fenerbahçe have confirmed the departure of head coach İsmail Kartal following Monday’s 2-1 Istanbul derby defeat against Galatasaray. The 65-year-old leaves during his fourth spell in charge, with the club sitting fifth in the Turkish Süper Lig, six points behind their rivals.
Kartal informed club management of his decision to resign, which was accepted by mutual agreement. He recorded nine wins, five draws and four defeats across 18 matches after returning in June. Fenerbahçe had also suffered a derby loss to Beşiktaş and disappointing Champions League results. Turkish reports suggest assistant coach Dirk Kuyt could take temporary charge, but the club has not officially announced a replacement.
Why It Matters
Fenerbahçe must find a new manager while already trailing Galatasaray in the title race.