Baku: Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation at a post-match press conference on Thursday, hours after his side drew 1-1 with Roma in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League league phase, APA reports citing Trkiye Today. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Kartal thanked the players and supporters before confirming he was stepping down. "I made this decision to clear the way for my club," he said. "I will never come back. Good evening, everyone." Speaking about the match itself, Kartal said Roma were a very good team that Fenerbahce had prepared for thoroughly. He said his side had studied Roma's weaknesses in advance and that his players had carried out the game plan to the letter. "Champions League matches are matches of strategy," he said, adding that Fenerbahce had played good football and put in a performance worthy of the competition, but had been the side to let victory slip. He noted the team had taken one point from its opening match and thanked his players for followi ng his instructions.