Fenerbahçe have made official the end of their relationship with coach Ismail Kartal, who resigned after the 2‑1 defeat in the derby against Galatasaray. The club published a note on their social media channels confirming that Kartal's request had been accepted, putting an end to his role.
Kartal, born in 1961, was already at the top of the club this season, but his first resignation came after the defeat against Roma in the Champions League, when the management decided to keep him on the bench. At the time the club had rejected his request, but the defeat against Galatasaray prompted Kartal to ask for his tenure to be terminated.
The club's statement underlines that, after discussions between the parties, the decision was received with respect and mutual understanding. "The club would like to thank İsmail Kartal for the work done, the dedication shown and the strong bond always shown towards Fenerbahçe. Best wishes to him for the continuation of his career", reads the note.
With Kartal's exit, Fenerbahçe will now have to find a new coach to face the rest of the season, including commitments in the Turkish Serie A and European competitions. The team, already in a transition phase, will have to manage the search for a replacement who can maintain competitiveness against rivals such as Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.
The club expressed gratitude towards Kartal for his contribution and wished success in his future career. Now the focus turns to the transfer market and the next managerial moves, as Fenerbahçe look to stabilize their position in the table and prepare for European challenges.