Fenerbahce coach announces resignation, club president tells him to stay

Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation on Thursday following a 1-1 draw with Roma in their return to the Champions League. However, minutes later, the club president, Aziz Yildirim, stated that Kartal would remain in his position. The 65-year-old Kartal stated he was leaving "never to return," adding that he made the decision to "clear the way for the club."

Shortly after the press conference, Fenerbahce president Yildirim clarified Kartal's continued role. Some fans reportedly threw a bottle at Kartal during the game, which he found distressing. Kartal expressed his displeasure with the incident and the pressure he felt. Yildirim, speaking to reporters, said that Kartal had told him to stay, emphasizing that they are "a family."

Kartal, who spent ten years as a player with Fenerbahce, coached the club from 2014-15 to 2023-24, serving as interim coach in 2021-22 before returning for a full season in 2023-24. He previously served as assistant manager during Fenerbahce's last two Super Lig victories and made his fourth managerial stint with the club in June.

Fenerbahce has consistently finished second in the Turkish top flight over the last five seasons and secured their first Champions League league phase appearance in 18 years in the current campaign.