Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal resigns immediately after Champions League draw with Roma
Fenerbahçe confirmed that head coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation minutes after the final whistle of the 1-1 Champions League draw against Roma in Istanbul. The unexpected decision came as the Turkish side secured a point in the group stage opener, with defender Archie Brown scoring the equaliser and earning Player of the Match honors.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with Roma taking the lead before Brown's second‑half strike restored parity. The result left both teams with a valuable point, but the post‑match atmosphere turned chaotic when Kartal took the podium and declared, "I am resigning from my position while there is still time." He added that he would never return to the club, emphasizing his desire to "pave the way for the club".
Brown, who had just celebrated his goal, was visibly stunned when a translator informed him of the coach's decision. "What do you mean he resigned?" the English left‑back asked, turning his head in disbelief. The confusion was palpable as Brown repeated the question, seeking clarification on whether Kartal was stepping down as coach.
Kartal, in his brief press conference, reflected on his three‑month tenure, noting that he had "worked hard in training sessions and camps" and thanked the club’s president, staff, fans, and media for their support. "We made this decision together as a team," he said, suggesting a collective agreement behind the abrupt departure.
The resignation marks Kartal's fourth stint at the helm of the Turkish giants, a tenure that began at the start of the season. His sudden exit raises immediate questions about who will take charge for the upcoming fixtures, with the club expected to appoint an interim manager while it searches for a permanent replacement.
Fenerbahçe’s board released a statement confirming the resignation and pledging to act swiftly to stabilize the squad. The club’s sporting director hinted that a former assistant coach could assume temporary duties, though no official appointment has been announced.
Brown’s reaction captured the broader sentiment among players, many of whom were left in the dark about the decision. "I didn’t know about this," Brown repeated, underscoring the shock that reverberated through the dressing room. The team now faces the challenge of regrouping under new leadership while maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions.