24.10.2026 12:50
Fenerbahçe President Aziz Yıldırım put an end to the discussions regarding the future of head coach İsmail Kartal at the Ordinary High Divan Board Meeting. Reacting to the fans' calls for resignation, Yıldırım stated that he would not dismiss the experienced coach, saying, "Until I leave, if İsmail Kartal himself does not want to go, I will not send him away. He will leave together with me." Yıldırım asked the fans to be patient until May.
Fenerbahçe President Aziz Yıldırım evaluated the team's recent results and the criticism directed at head coach İsmail Kartal at the High Council Board Meeting. Reacting to the calls for resignation rising from the stands during the Slavia Prague match, Yıldırım announced that he would continue his support for Kartal.
Yıldırım said, “During the Slavia Prague match, they shouted ‘İsmail Kartal resign.’ Even if İsmail Kartal resigns, I will not send him away. Until I leave, if İsmail Kartal himself does not want to go, I will not send him away. He leaves together with me. Shame! Where were those who shouted for 8 years?”
“BE PATIENT UNTIL MAY”
Also recalling the process of İsmail Kartal being appointed to the position, Yıldırım responded to the criticism directed at him regarding the head coach choice. Addressing the fans through the names Aykut Kocaman and İsmail Kartal, Yıldırım asked for patience until the end of the season.
Yıldırım said, “İsmail Kartal was not on my mind. Didn’t you get up and say things at every meeting I went to in order not to bring Aykut Kocaman? Didn’t you say he shouldn’t come? Didn’t you say bring İsmail Kartal? What do you want? May comes, if he is unsuccessful, he cannot come again. Just as I will not come, he will not come either, but be patient until May!”
“WE WILL BEAT BOTH LIVERPOOL AND GALATASARAY”
Evaluating Fenerbahçe’s leaving the field with a 2-2 draw despite taking a 2-0 lead against Slavia Prague, Yıldırım also spoke confidently about the critical matches ahead.
With the words, “We were leading 2-0 against Slavia Prague, it ended 2-2, it can happen. Liverpool is coming tomorrow, we will beat them. On Monday, we will beat Galatasaray too,” Yıldırım showed his confidence in his team.
“WE PARTICIPATED IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AFTER 18 YEARS”
Also responding to criticism regarding Fenerbahçe’s European performance, Yıldırım emphasized that participation in the Champions League is important for the club.
Yıldırım said, “We drew 2-2 with Slavia Prague. We conceded 6 from Aston Villa; we shouldn’t have conceded that many. That can happen too. When we set off, I asked all of you for votes. I traveled all over Turkey. I said I would make Fenerbahçe champions. This is my word. We said we must participate in the Champions League, and we participated in the Champions League. Shouldn’t everyone be happy? 26 million euros came to Fenerbahçe due to this participation. We spent it, and we are spending it. After this, nearly 10 million euros will also come. That will also be spent on this club. I am calling out to all Fenerbahçe fans: a team that had not participated in the Champions League for 18 years has participated, and everyone is unhappy! I have never seen such a lack of humanity.”
“I DON’T SAY THINGS I DON’T BELIEVE”
Giving examples from past title races, Yıldırım explained that the team’s current situation could change. Yıldırım said, “In 2003, I brought in the youngsters. I also made the late Daum the coach. We fell 11 points behind. The Rizespor match was replayed, and at the end of the first half it dropped to 8 points. What happened? We went and beat Beşiktaş at their stadium while 5-6 points ahead and became champions. I do not say things I do not believe or cannot do.”
Emphasizing once again that he believes Fenerbahçe will reach its championship goal, Yıldırım continued his speech with the words, “We will be champions, believe it!”