Claim from Tümer Metin on Kartal: If the derby is lost, the ways part

Former player and pundit Tümer Metin made headlines with a bold statement ahead of this week's Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe derby. Metin argued that if the yellow-navy side lose to their arch rivals, the club will part ways with head coach İsmail Kartal. Metin said, "Even if Galatasaray win 1-0, İsmail Kartal goes."

Fenerbahçe had drawn with Slavia Prague, and after the match chants calling for his resignation rose from the stands. Addressing the reaction, Kartal said, "These things happen in football. Today they shouted resignation. I wish it hadn't happened, but it did." Noting that a very important match lies ahead of them, Kartal said they would win the derby and make peace with the fans.

The experienced coach also said they would work well over the next 5 days and prepare for the Galatasaray match in the best possible way. Kartal said, "We are a big team. We are also used to derbies."

President Aziz Yıldırım took office at the congress on 7 June and appointed Kartal as head of the team on 18 June. Criticism had grown after the defeat to Beşiktaş, and the match against Roma had ended 1-1. Kartal's decision to resign caused a big stir, and the club then issued a statement saying "İsmail Kartal is at the helm." It was reported that Yıldırım met Kartal one-on-one and persuaded him.