Ismail Kartal is still serving as Fenerbahce’s head coach, even though he announced his resignation after Thursday’s Champions League match against Roma.
Shortly after the 1-1 draw at home, the 65-year-old declared that he did not intend to return to the club where he had previously worked as a player and assistant coach.
However, Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim later revealed in a statement published on the Turkish club’s website, external that Kartal’s resignation had not been accepted.
Fenerbahce, who are due to meet Gaziantep FK in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, confirmed again on Friday that Kartal remained in his position.
The club announced:, external “Our squad will carry on preparing for the match against Gaziantep FK during tomorrow’s training session, scheduled for 11:30, under technical director Ismail Kartal.”
Kartal began his fourth period as Fenerbahce head coach in June, when the team returned to the Champions League after an 18-year absence.
Ahead of Monday’s fixture, Fenerbahce sit ninth in the Super Lig after collecting six points from four matches. Their next Champions League group game will be away to Aston Villa on 14 October.
Yildirim said he spoke with Kartal after the press conference. The coach reportedly pointed to the demands of the job and an incident during the match, when a bottle thrown from the crowd struck him, as reasons behind his decision.
The club later announced on social media that the spectator responsible for throwing the bottle had been identified and barred from entering the stadium.
“Throwing objects at him is not an acceptable way to demonstrate support,” Yildirim added.
“Ismail Kartal does not have to announce that he is staying. I am his senior, and I have decided that he will carry on. We are a family.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
