After a 2‑1 defeat to Galatasaray in the 9th week of the Turkish Süper Lig, former national goalkeeper and coach Volkan Demirel criticised Fenerbahçe’s head coach İsmail Kartal and discussed his own aspirations to take over the club’s managerial position. Demirel, who has spent 18 years at Fenerbahçe in various coaching roles, said that Kartal’s pre‑match remarks about settling for a draw were “not correct.” He added that Fenerbahçe should have started the derby more aggressively, noting that the team “was not effective enough in the first half” but began to contribute after a number of substitutions. “I love the coach very much and I don’t want to criticize him, but if we are in this situation we have to say some things,” Demirel told the “Kısa Paslar” channel. “I respect him, but I didn’t find his pre‑match statements right.” When asked whether he had expressed a desire to replace Kartal after the club’s recent match against Roma, Demirel denied such claims. “I never said I wanted to step in after the Roma game,” he said. “I am already a Fenerbahçe fan, I am here in spirit, body and pride. I have never said I would take over.” Demirel also clarified that he has never claimed to be the club’s next coach. “I do want it, I wish for it, but the timing is right,” he said. “I am not saying I will come tomorrow or after the Roma match. That is not what I said.” He added that coaching the club is a career goal: “Everyone has a goal, and mine is to become the coach of Fenerbahçe. When the time comes, we will do everything we can to promote Fenerbahçe’s identity.” The comments have reignited discussions about the club’s coaching situation, with some observers noting that Demirel’s statements could be interpreted as a hint that he is positioning himself for a future role. However, Demirel has repeatedly stated that he has no immediate intention to replace Kartal.