Fenerbahçe have dismissed manager Domenico Tedesco following a heavy 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Istanbul derby on Sunday. The Turkish club announced the decision on Monday, confirming that sporting director Devin Özek and football coordinator Berke Celebi have also left their posts. Assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle, a club employee since 2014, will take interim charge for the final three matches of the Süper Lig season.
Tedesco’s departure marks the third managerial change of a turbulent campaign for Fenerbahçe. The German-Italian coach was only appointed in September 2025, replacing the sacked José Mourinho. Göle had also served as caretaker following Mourinho’s dismissal in August, making this his second interim stint this season. The club’s statement, posted on social media platform X, cited decisions made by the board of directors in the wake of the derby loss.
The comprehensive defeat at the hands of Galatasaray has left Fenerbahçe’s title hopes in tatters. They now sit second in the table, seven points behind their rivals with only three games remaining. Fenerbahçe have not won the Turkish top-flight championship since 2014, a drought that now looks set to extend for another year. The derby result effectively handed Galatasaray a clear path to the title.
Domenico Tedesco, 39, arrived at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium with a reputation built on his work with the German national team and previous club roles. His tenure, however, failed to deliver the consistency required to mount a sustained title challenge. The decision to part ways reflects the immense pressure and high expectations at one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, where finishing second is often considered a failure.
The sweeping changes extend beyond the technical area, indicating a broader restructuring. The exits of sporting director Devin Özek and coordinator Berke Celebi suggest the club’s hierarchy is seeking a fresh direction ahead of a pivotal summer. The immediate focus for the interim staff will be securing a runner-up finish and Champions League qualification, but a major rebuild is now anticipated for the 2026-27 campaign.
