Fenerbahçe's hopes now rest temporarily on Kuijt

Dirk Kuijt appointed interim manager after Ismail Kartal's departure; Fenerbahçe sit fifth, six points behind Galatasaray after derby loss.

Fenerbahçe have appointed Dirk Kuijt as interim head coach following the departure of Ismail Kartal on Wednesday. The Turkish club, who hoped to challenge for the title after 12 years without winning it, are now fifth in the league, six points adrift of leaders Galatasaray after a tumultuous 2-1 derby defeat on Monday.

Kartal's exit came amid mounting pressure and questions in Turkey over whether his resignation was voluntary. During the Galatasaray match, footage showed Kartal looking tense and withdrawn on the bench, contrasting sharply with Kuijt's animated engagement with staff as he attempted to turn the tide.

Kuijt is a significant figure in Turkish football and among Fenerbahçe's fanbase, having been part of the squad when the club last won the title in 2014. The Dutch former striker has deep ties to Turkey, serving as an ambassador during an official visit in 2012 when he presented a Netherlands shirt to President Erdogan. Fenerbahçe have assembled a squad of established names including N'Golo Kanté, Marco Asensio, Romelu Lukaku and Éderson, but recent results have been dire—a 6-0 Champions League defeat to Aston Villa and the loss of Nathan Aké to injury. Kuijt faces immediate pressure, with Liverpool visiting next Wednesday in the Champions League.