Amidst the storm of criticism: İrfan Can Kahveci 'frozen out' at Fenerbahçe, future uncertain

The 1-1 draw between Fenerbahçe and AS Roma in the opening week of the UEFA Champions League not only secured a valuable point but also exposed a controversial personnel decision by manager İsmail Kartal. Veteran attacking midfielder İrfan Can Kahveci, the 31-year-old Turkish international, was completely left out of the starting XI and was not even brought on when the team needed changes. Notably, when Bartuğ Elmaz was injured in the 62nd minute, Kartal chose natural left-back Levent Mercan to fill the midfield role instead of Kahveci, contrary to the expectations of pundits and fans. This move is seen as a clear signal of the coaching staff's priority: tactical solidity and discipline above all else, even at the cost of a creative star. The context behind this decision stems from the previous Istanbul derby against Beşiktaş. In that match, Kahveci underperformed, drawing heavy criticism from fans. Immediately after, Kartal dropped him from the starting lineup for the Roma clash. This shows that Kartal is building a meritocratic culture based on current form, with no exceptions for older or high-profile players. The starting midfield trio of Bartuğ Elmaz, İsmail Yüksek, and a player referred to as 'Kante' (a destroyer type) structurally crowded out Kahveci, who thrives as a creative right winger in transition and final-third freedom. Kahveci's profile mismatches with a coach seeking control in a high-stakes block. The choice of Levent Mercan over Kahveci carries a deep tactical message: Kartal wanted to protect a 1-1 scoreline on a European night, prioritizing safety over chasing victory. A left-back playing in midfield is a stopgap solution, but it clearly indicates the coach trusts Mercan's defensive discipline more than Kahveci's creative ability. This is a quiet but powerful demotion. From a financial and asset perspective, Kahveci at 31 is on the downward slope of the value curve. Sustained bench time will erode his transfer value and negotiating leverage, especially with unknown contract length. If this situation persists, a winter or summer exit becomes highly likely, especially given growing fan pressure. A frozen-out senior player becomes a 'deadweight asset' – high wages, low output, hard to sell. However, one must question the certainty of this narrative. The source analysis is based on a Turkish-language report with no named author, no coach or player quotes, and relies on only two matches – a sample too small to conclude 'Kahveci is no longer in plans.' The 'shock decision' framing is sensationalist rather than factual. If Kahveci starts the next match, this story will reverse entirely. Yet the substitution signal against Roma is undeniable: a coach who uses a left-back in midfield instead of a specialist attacking midfielder reveals a clear hierarchy. This is a strong tactical statement about priorities. For Vietnamese fans of European football, this story is a lesson in the ruthless nature of top-level competition. In leagues like the Süper Lig and the Champions League, reputation guarantees nothing. Current form and tactical fit are paramount. İrfan Can Kahveci faces a major challenge: either adapt to new tactical demands or seek opportunities elsewhere. In modern football, there is no room for complacency. Will Kartal reverse his decision in coming matches? Or is this truly the beginning of a star's departure? The answer will soon be revealed on the pitch. But clearly, Kahveci's seat is far from warm.