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Fenerbahçe have fallen short of their own expectations this season. Ismail Kartal took the consequences and tendered his resignation less than 24 hours after the derby defeat against rivals Galatasaray.
Fenerbahce had envisaged the 2026/27 season quite differently so far. In the league, the reigning runners-up are lagging far behind, already six points adrift of defending champions Galatasaray after nine matches. And in the Champions League, Fener were recently taken to pieces by Aston Villa (0–6), before the Turks surprisingly failed to win at home against Slavia Prague (2–2).
On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the painful derby defeat to Galatasaray (1–2), manager Ismail Kartal took the consequences – and tendered his resignation with immediate effect. The 65-year-old had informed the club of this on Tuesday. Following discussions which, according to the club, were characterised by “mutual understanding and respect”, the decision was finalised.
High-profile summer signings
For Kartal, this marks the inglorious end to his fourth (!) spell as Fenerbahçe manager. He had taken over the role last summer with high hopes, but was unable to really get the team – bolstered by some notable signings – back on track.
Fenerbahçe incurred a significant financial loss in order to persuade players such as Mason Greenwood, Vedat Muriqi and Romelu Lukaku to sign for the club on the Bosphorus. Curiously, the historic club from the metropolis currently holds the record for the most goals scored in the Süper Lig (23) and the fewest goals conceded (8, alongside Trabzonspor), yet has already lost three of its nine matches.
Their record in the Champions League is significantly weaker, with Fenerbahçe having picked up just two points from three matches so far – and drawing ridicule not only in Turkey following their crushing defeat at Aston Villa. Currently 31st in the Champions League standings, Fener will need to improve significantly if they are to realise their dream of reaching the knockout stages.
