Ismail Kartal Resigns… Then Fenerbahçe President Says He’s Staying
Fenerbahçe drew 1–1 with Roma in their return to the UEFA Champions League.
After the match, head coach Ismail Kartal shocked everyone by announcing his resignation. The 65-year-old said he was leaving “never to return” and wanted to clear the way for the club. Just minutes later, club president Aziz Yıldırım told reporters that Kartal would remain as head coach. Yıldırım revealed that a bottle was thrown at Kartal’s head by a fan during the match.
Read More ›
He said Kartal was deeply upset by the incident and also complained about the pressure surrounding him. When asked if Kartal had agreed to stay, Yıldırım replied: “I told him to continue. We are a family.” Kartal is in his fourth spell as Fenerbahçe manager after previously serving as both player and coach at the club.
This season, Fenerbahçe reached the Champions League league phase for the first time in 18 years.
