Fenerbahçe appoints Emre Belözoğlu as head coach

Fenerbahçe has appointed former midfielder Emre Belözoğlu as the new head coach of the Turkish football club. The 46-year-old returns to the club for a second stint, having previously served as a player, sporting director, and interim manager in 2021.

The decision follows a period of managerial instability. Ismail Kartal departed after a derby loss to Galatasaray, followed by a brief interim period under Dirk Kuijt. Kuijt’s tenure ended after a 2:1 home defeat against Göztepe. The club had also reportedly entered negotiations with Sergio Conceição, but failed to reach an agreement regarding contract terms and financial conditions.

Belözoğlu joins from Kasımpaşa, signing a 1.5-year contract. Former coach Ersun Yanal commented on the appointment, urging the club and fans to support Belözoğlu and provide him with the necessary space to work. It remains unclear if Belözoğlu will be ready to lead the team for their upcoming Champions League match against Liverpool.