ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women) – Despite being less than a fortnight until the EuroLeague Women Final Four, Fenerbahce have parted ways with head coach George Dikeoulakos.

Described as a mutual decision in a short statement by the club, it was seemingly taken in response to a shock derby loss to Galatasaray, when they were soundly beaten 89-73.

That was despite their opponents not being able to field Turkey national team leader, Isil Alben and having reportedly made sizeable reductions to their budget in comparison.

Expectations are currently sky-high at Fenerbahce after they recently added to their already star-laden roster with the marquee signing of Candace Parker.

The juggernauts continue to pursue an elusive maiden EuroLeague Women title and are scheduled to play in the Semi-Finals of the tournament against reigning champions UMMC in Ekaterinburg on Friday, April 12.

Fenerbahce hosted the Final Four last season but were not able to progress past the Semi-Finals under Dikeoulakos and this season, they have been beaten to the Turkish Cup by Yakin Dogu Universitesi who are also poised to finish as the KBSL Regular Season winners.

In his defence, Dikeoulakos, who was in his second spell at the club, did pick the Istanbul giants up from a low ebb a couple of seasons ago and leaves his position having delivered domestic silverware.

FIBA