Fenerbahçe have ended the uncertainty over who would take charge after the departure of José Mourinho. On Tuesday, the Turkish club officially announced the appointment of Domenico Tedesco, who signs a two-year contract and becomes the team’s tenth manager in the last five years.

The decision signals a fresh start for a project that, despite heavy investment, has struggled to find consistency on the pitch.

Why Tedesco and not another name?

Club president Ali Koç had already made it clear that the goal was to bring in a coach from the “German school.” As he explained, fans “no longer want to hear about Portuguese names,” pointing to the fact that three of the last five managers had been Vítor Pereira, Jorge Jesus, and José Mourinho.

Tedesco fits the bill. Although born in southern Italy, his coaching career has been almost entirely based in Germany. He began at Stuttgart, made his breakthrough with Schalke 04, and later managed RB Leipzig and Spartak Moscow. Most recently, he led the Belgian national team between 2023 and 2025.

What role will his coaching staff play?

The Fenerbahçe statement confirmed that Gökhan Gönul, the legendary right-back who played for the club between 2007 and 2016, will join as an assistant coach. This move is symbolic, as the board looks to give the new project stronger ties to figures beloved by the fans and with experience in Turkish football.

With this partnership, the club aims to build a side capable not only of challenging for the Süper Lig, but also of making a serious return to the Champions League, after falling to Benfica in the qualifying rounds.

What does this appointment mean for the club’s future?

Tedesco’s arrival marks a change of direction. Fenerbahçe trust that his tactical approach and international pedigree will bring stability to a team that has consistently fallen short in key moments despite competing near the top of the table.

The big question now is whether the 39-year-old Italian can succeed where his predecessors failed: building a winning project that lasts longer than just one season.