Fenerbahce search for head coach: talks with Abdullah Avci

Fenerbahce parted ways with head coach Ismail Kartal after losing the Galatasaray derby 2-1. Until a new head coach is appointed, the club has temporarily placed assistant coach Dirk Kuyt in charge of the team.

In the club's statement, it was announced that Dirk Kuyt has been assigned as the caretaker head of the first team following Kartal's resignation. Work on finding a new head coach is ongoing.

Vincenzo Montella was the first name on management's list. However, because there were question marks over the Italian coach's contract term, the club approached an alternative candidate. As part of this, a phone call was held with Abdullah Avci.

Chairman Aziz Yildirim is reported to be positive about Avci, and his primary goal is said to be sporting success. It was reported that contract length and similar issues were not discussed in the call, and that Avci has become the warmest candidate among domestic coaches.