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<p>Galatasaray Title Race Update</p>
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<img alt="Four Fenerbahçe Manager Candidates to Replace José Mourinho" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/fener-spot-1756922697-176678.png" title="Four Fenerbahçe Manager Candidates to Replace José Mourinho">
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<p>Fenerbahçe is actively seeking a new manager following the dismissal of José Mourinho last week. The celebrated Portuguese coach was let go after failing to secure a place in the Champions League and experiencing tensions with board members. Mourinho controversially stated that he was "unfamiliar" with Fenerbahçe’s vice-president, Hamdi Akin, despite Akin’s support during previous controversies, which contributed to his exit.</p>
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<p>Fenerbahçe has not clinched the Süper Lig title in over a decade and currently finds themselves two points behind their arch-rivals Galatasaray in the championship race. Given the passionate nature of football in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe fans expect a new manager to be appointed during the international break. Several candidates are in contention, and our analysis draws on expert insights from Lara Karacan, Transfermarkt’s Super Lig specialist.</p>
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<h2>Four Candidates for Fenerbahçe's Managerial Position</h2>
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<p>The upcoming election for Fenerbahçe’s new president complicates the search for a manager. According to Karacan, “The board is divided: one faction is in favor of bringing back Ismail Kartal (or at least hiring a Turkish coach), while the other side, particularly sporting director Devin Özek, is leaning towards a German replacement. However, Kartal appears to be the frontrunner at this time.” Having managed Fenerbahçe on three occasions, Kartal is seen as a reliable choice, though not particularly exciting, with an impressive record of 86 wins in 125 matches, averaging 2.24 points per game.</p>
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<p>Roger Schmidt is reportedly the favored candidate of Özek. Currently without a club since August 2024, Schmidt has a strong managerial background with previous success at PSV, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Salzburg. There’s speculation regarding his potential retirement from management, but he was closely linked to Borussia Dortmund earlier this year, making Fenerbahçe an attractive opportunity.</p>
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<p>Turkish businessman Sadettin Saran aims to become Fener’s new president, with Sérgio Conceição being his top choice for manager. The 50-year-old recently exited AC Milan after a brief tenure, despite clinching the Italian Super Cup. Conceição has built an impressive reputation at Porto, where he won the league title three times, making him an intriguing candidate for the role.</p>
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<p>Another name on Fenerbahçe's shortlist is Ange Postecoglou, although Bayer Leverkusen is also interested in the Australian coach. The 60-year-old was let go by Tottenham Hotspur after leading the team to a Europa League victory. With league titles in Australia, Scotland, and Japan under his belt, Postecoglou has a proven track record of success, which would be appealing to Fenerbahçe, though his interest in the position remains uncertain.</p>
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