Fenerbahçe's Search for a Head Coach: Aykut Kocaman in Istanbul

In Week 9 of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe lost 2-1 away to Galatasaray. After the derby, İsmail Kartal resigned and the club's management was entrusted to Dirk Kuyt. While the process is being carried out with the Dutch coach, the search for a new head coach continues at the club.

A surprising name has emerged in this search. Aykut Kocaman came to Istanbul from Bodrum after İsmail Kartal's resignation. It was learned that the club has not yet held talks with the experienced coach, and it was reported that Kocaman is open to accepting the job if a formal offer is made.

Kocaman began his head coaching career at İstanbulspor in 2001. After spells at Malatyaspor, Konyaspor and Ankaraspor, he became Fenerbahçe's sporting director in 2009. Following Daum's departure, he took over as head coach for the first time in 2010 and served until the summer of 2013. During this period, he won 1 Süper Lig title and 2 Turkish Cups, and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

In later years, Kocaman managed Konyaspor on two occasions and won 1 Turkish Cup during this period. On his one-season return to Fenerbahçe, he was in the title race, but he left the post in 2018. Most recently, he took charge of Başakşehir on 1 February 2021 and coached the team in 29 matches.