Dirk Kuyt appointed Fenerbahce interim Coach ahead of Liverpool clash

Former Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim manager of Fenerbahce, just a week before the Turkish club face his former side Liverpool in the Champions League.

According to BBC Sport, the 46-year-old has stepped up from his role as assistant coach following Ismail Kartal’s resignation after Monday’s 2-1 defeat against arch-rivals Galatasaray. Fenerbahce confirmed that Kuyt would remain in charge “until a new head coach is appointed”.

His first assignment will be Saturday’s Turkish league encounter against Goztepe before Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool on 4 November. Kuyt enjoyed six seasons at Anfield, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances and winning the League Cup in 2012.

He previously represented Fenerbahce as a player, helping the club win the Turkish league title in 2013-14.After retiring in 2017, the Dutchman managed ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht before returning to Fenerbahce as an assistant in June 2026. Fenerbahce currently sit fifth in the Turkish top flight, six points behind leaders Galatasaray.