Archie Brown learns in a post-match interview that Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal has ‘stepped down.’
Fenerbahce defender Archie Brown looked shocked when he heard that manager Ismail Kartal had just announced his resignation after their Champions League match against Roma. Kartal, who became Fenerbahce’s coach in June, told the press on Thursday evening that he was stepping down, right after the team’s 1-1 draw in Istanbul.
Talking to reporters, Kartal said, “During the season and training camps, our president and managers supported us. Those were great times. Tonight, I want to congratulate my players and say I’m resigning. I thank the press, the fans, and my players for their support.” He added, “I have left my post tonight. I made this decision to help the club move forward. I won’t be coming back. Good evening, everyone.”
Just after this, Archie Brown was doing his post-match interview with an interpreter when he heard the news about Kartal’s sudden decision. When a reporter asked, “Ismail Kartal resigned. Did he talk to you?” Brown looked confused and asked his interpreter, “What do you mean he resigned? He’s not the coach anymore? He just said that? I didn’t know.”
You can watch the video of that moment below.
Kartal had taken charge of Fenerbahce for the fourth time this summer, after previous stints in 2014, 2022, and 2023. His record with the team is mixed—six wins, three draws, and two losses in 11 games. But after those defeats came in the Super Lig, pressure grew, and now Fenerbahce sits ninth in the league.
In other Fenerbahce news, UEFA has punished Mason Greenwood and Matteo Guendouzi for “offensive gestures” during their intense Champions League win over Lyon. Last month, Fenerbahce beat Lyon 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off to enter the group stage, but things got heated at the final whistle.
Guendouzi, a former Marseille player, was booed all match and lost his temper at the end. He was seen shouting “Allez l’OM” to the camera and making rude gestures toward the fans. Greenwood, who recently joined Fenerbahce from Marseille, was also involved and is being investigated.
Greenwood received a one-match suspended ban for one year’s probation and a £26,000 fine for “breaking the rules of decent conduct” during the game.