İsmail Kartal's future at Fenerbahçe depends on the Galatasaray derby

Fenerbahçe Head Coach İsmail Kartal faced intense fan backlash following the results in the UEFA Champions League and a 2-2 draw against Slavia Prag after blowing a 2-0 lead. Although Kartal has secured consecutive victories in the Süper Lig, his situation—criticized due to European performance—may become clear following Monday's Galatasaray derby.

Fenerbahçe fell short of expectations by collecting only two points in three matches in the UEFA Champions League, which they entered after an 18-year hiatus. The draw against Slavia Prag, following the Aston Villa defeat, increased calls from fans for İsmail Kartal to resign. Reactions from the stands at the end of the match continued around the stadium.

Assessment: Although it is known that Club President Aziz Yıldırım kept İsmail Kartal in office after he previously decided to resign, it is rumored that they could part ways if the Galatasaray derby ends in a potential defeat. During this process, Vincenzo Montella, who parted ways with the National Team, is pointed out as the strongest candidate for the managerial position.

In the post-match press conference, regarding questions about resignation, İsmail Kartal stated, "These things happen in football. We are looking ahead. There is a derby match, we will win. Then there are more matches. We will win, and we will reconcile with our fans."