Fenerbahce have announced Ismail Kartal will step up from assistant manager to become head coach at the Super Lig champions.
The 53-year-old has been part of the backroom staff at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium since 2010, having spent a decade at the club during his playing career.
Ersun Yanal resigned from the head coach position over the weekend, despite winning Fener s 19th Super Lig title in his sole season in charge.
And his former right-hand man Kartal says he is more than ready for the challenge that lies ahead and is fully focused on helping Fener win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2004-05.
I have worked very hard and waited a long time for this chance, he said. We had great success with Aykut [Kocaman] and Ersun in the past four years.
I will concentrate on my work and the championship, we will be fully prepared for the league.
Kartal s first competitive game in charge will be against fierce rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Cup before they begin their title defence on August 31 against Karabukspor.
