The backstory behind İsmail Kartal’s resignation attempt revealed

The crisis that began with manager İsmail Kartal’s resignation announcement following the 1-1 draw against Roma in the first week of the UEFA Champions League has, for now, been closed with the club’s announcement that he “remains on duty.” However, it has been alleged that the experienced manager’s decision was not solely due to the water bottle incident during the match.

According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, the background of Kartal’s resignation attempt involves the transfer process, squad planning, and certain disagreements within the club. The report suggests that while the bottle incident during the match was the factor that made Kartal’s reaction visible, the real resentment had accumulated over issues related to seasonal planning.

CLAIMS OF TRANSFER AND SQUAD PLANNING ISSUES

According to the allegations, Kartal was unhappy with the departure of Oosterwolde, Fred, and Talisca, players he had stated would remain with the team during the Topuk Yaylası training camp. The failure to complete the transfer he requested to replace Semedo and the fact that the expected midfield reinforcements did not materialize were also cited among the coaching staff’s points of dissatisfaction.

The report further claimed that disagreements regarding foreign player planning affected the process, and that there were differences of opinion between Kartal and Fenerbahçe Football Director Oğuz Çetin on certain issues. It was also alleged that statements made by President Aziz Yıldırım following the derby, and the lack of a strong response from the management regarding rumors of a “manager search” despite having a coach in place, further increased Kartal’s resentment.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following the Roma match, Kartal announced his resignation to the public, stating, “I congratulate my players and I am resigning from my post. I have made this decision tonight to clear the way for my club.” The experienced manager also said he had made his decision “with the condition of never returning.”

Aziz Yıldırım, following the statement, declared that he did not accept the resignation, stating that Kartal was under stress and was upset because a water bottle had been thrown at his head. Yıldırım supported the manager by saying, “As long as I am here, our coach will be İsmail Kartal.”

However, the fact that Kartal was not present to lead the team at the training session the following morning increased the uncertainty. Reports emerged that Football Director Oğuz Çetin held a meeting with Kartal at his home lasting approximately two hours, leading to speculation that the resignation had been accepted.

Fenerbahçe put an end to the discussions with a statement released in the evening. The yellow-navy club announced, “Our manager, Mr. İsmail Kartal, is on duty,” and stated that the team would continue its preparations for the Gaziantep FK match under Kartal’s leadership.