Istanbul, Turkey – Fenerbahçe manager Domenico Tedesco is currently sidelined due to a “severe infection,” the Turkish club confirmed Wednesday. The news raises concerns as Fenerbahçe prepares for a crucial stretch of matches in both the Süper Lig and the Ziraat Türkiye Cup. Reports from British media outlets, including The Sun, indicate Tedesco has been hospitalized, though this has not been independently confirmed by the club.
Tedesco, who took the helm at Fenerbahçe in September 2025 following José Mourinho’s departure, was already absent from the sidelines during last weekend’s league draw against Antalyaspor (2-2) due to illness. His condition has now worsened, ruling him out of Wednesday’s Ziraat Türkiye Cup match against Gaziantep FK. Fenerbahçe currently sits in second place in the Süper Lig, four points behind league leaders Galatasaray with ten matchdays remaining in the season.
The club released a statement detailing Tedesco’s situation, stating, “The treatment of our Technical Director Domenico Tedesco due to the severe infection he has contracted is ongoing.” Assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle will take charge of the team during Wednesday’s cup fixture. Fenerbahçe anticipates Tedesco will return to the bench for their upcoming league match against Samsunspor this weekend.
This development adds another layer of complexity to a challenging period for Fenerbahçe. The team is navigating a competitive league race and aiming for success in the Türkiye Cup. Tedesco’s absence places added responsibility on Göle and the coaching staff to maintain momentum and guide the team through this critical juncture.
Tedesco’s Recent Performance and Fenerbahçe’s League Standing
Since joining Fenerbahçe, Tedesco has managed the team in a total of 36 matches, achieving 21 wins, 11 draws, and 4 losses, resulting in a points-per-game average of 2.06. Transfermarkt provides a detailed overview of his managerial record with the club. The team’s performance under Tedesco has been generally positive, but recent results have been mixed, contributing to the pressure to secure a top finish in the Süper Lig.
Asensio Similarly Absent for Gaziantep Clash
Adding to Fenerbahçe’s woes, Spanish forward Marco Asensio will also miss the match against Gaziantep FK. Hurriyet reports that Asensio is being held out as a precaution due to pain, and will not be included in the squad for the cup tie. He is expected to be available for the weekend’s match against Samsunspor.
The club’s official Instagram account confirmed Tedesco’s absence, stating, “❌ Domenico Tedesco, due to illness, will not be able to lead the team in the Gaziantep FK match.” [Instagram Post]
Looking Ahead
The coming days will be crucial for both Tedesco’s health and Fenerbahçe’s season. The club will be closely monitoring his recovery, with the hope that he can return to the bench for the Samsunspor match. Göle will be tasked with steering the team through the Gaziantep FK encounter and maintaining their position in the league standings. The situation highlights the importance of squad depth and adaptability as Fenerbahçe strives to achieve its goals this season.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
What are your thoughts on Fenerbahçe’s chances in the Türkiye Cup without Tedesco? Share your opinions in the comments below!
