- Ismail Kartal officially resigned on Tuesday, one day after Fenerbahce lost 2-1 to Galatasaray in Monday’s Intercontinental Derby
- Fenerbahce announced today that Dirk Kuyt has been appointed as interim technical supervisor until a new head coach is chosen
- Kuyt is set to lead Fenerbahce in this weekend’s Super Lig match against Goztepe
Kartal Leaves After Derby Defeat
Fenerbahce have moved into an interim coaching phase after Ismail Kartal stepped down following the club’s 2-1 defeat away to fierce rivals Galatasaray. The club confirmed his resignation on Tuesday, with the loss in the Intercontinental Derby on Monday marking Fenerbahce’s third league defeat of the season.
“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.”
Kartal, 65, had been appointed Fenerbahce manager for the fourth time in June 2026. His return followed the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco after the 2025/26 campaign, a season that ended painfully for the Istanbul giants as Galatasaray won the Super Lig title by three points.
Kamuoyuna Duyuru
İsmail Kartal’ın istifasının ardından kulübümüz, yeni teknik direktörümüz belirlenene kadar Dirk Kuyt’ı Futbol A Takımımızın teknik sorumlusu olarak görevlendirmiştir.
Kamuoyunun bilgisine sunarız. https://t.co/4aaDpGN5DB
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) October 28, 2026
Kuyt Given Interim Responsibility
Former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, who had been working as Kartal’s assistant, has been handed temporary control of the first team. Fenerbahce confirmed the move on Wednesday as the club searches for its next permanent head coach.
“Following Ismail Kartal’s resignation, our club has assigned Dirk Kuyt as the technical supervisor of our Football A team until our new head coach is determined,” Fenerbahce said in a statement.
Kuyt brings both playing and coaching links to the role. He played more than 200 games for Liverpool before joining Fenerbahce in 2012, then won the Turkish league title two years later. Before returning to the club as part of Kartal’s staff in June, the Dutchman had coached Belgian side Beerschot, as well as ADO Den Haag and FC Dordrecht in the Netherlands.
Form, Standings And Squad Investment
Fenerbahce currently sit fifth in the standings, six points behind leaders Galatasaray. The club are chasing their first league title in 13 years and spent over €100 million on summer transfers, bringing in Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, Vedat Muriqi, and Nathan Ake.
Their European campaign has also offered limited returns so far. Fenerbahce have just two points from three UEFA Champions League rounds, having drawn 1-1 with Roma and 2-2 with Slavia Prague, while also losing 6-0 to Aston Villa.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Latest managerial change | Ismail Kartal resigned on Tuesday after the 2-1 derby defeat to Galatasaray. |
| Interim appointment | Dirk Kuyt was assigned as technical supervisor of the Football A team on Wednesday. |
| Next assignment | Kuyt is set to lead Fenerbahce against Goztepe this weekend. |
| Super Lig position | Fifth, six points behind leaders Galatasaray. |
| Champions League record | Two points after three rounds, with draws against Roma (1-1) and Slavia Prague (2-2), and a 6-0 defeat to Aston Villa. |
| Summer spending | Over €100 million, including Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, Vedat Muriqi, and Nathan Ake. |
A Second Resignation Attempt Becomes Final
Kartal had already tried to leave once earlier in the season. After the Champions League draw against Roma, he announced his decision in the post-match press conference.
He said: “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.”
On that occasion, Fenerbahce refused to accept his resignation the next day. Club president Aziz Yildirim met Kartal and persuaded him to continue in an “emotional meeting” after the coach had already packed his office. This time, however, the departure has been formally accepted, leaving Kuyt to guide the side on an interim basis.
