Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim coach of Fenerbahçe, putting him in line for a Champions League reunion with the Reds next Wednesday.
The 46-year-old Dutchman has stepped up from his role as assistant coach following the resignation of İsmail Kartal, who left the Turkish club on Tuesday after Monday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Galatasaray.
Fenerbahçe confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, announcing that Kuyt would oversee first-team affairs until a permanent replacement for Kartal is appointed.
The decision comes just a week before Liverpool travel to Istanbul for their Champions League league-phase fixture on Wednesday 4 November, which kicks off at 5.45pm UK time.
Kuyt’s first assignment will be Saturday’s Turkish Süper Lig home fixture against Göztepe, scheduled for 4pm UK time.
Fenerbahçe under pressure
Kartal’s departure follows a difficult start to the campaign for Fenerbahçe, who sit fifth in the Turkish Süper Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray.
The 65-year-old had returned for his fourth spell in charge in June, with Kuyt joining his coaching staff during the summer.
Kartal had already attempted to resign in September following a 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, but club president Aziz Yıldırım rejected his resignation and he stayed on.
Monday’s derby defeat proved to be the final setback, with the club accepting his departure the following day.
Kuyt now inherits a side looking to recover domestically while preparing for a significant European fixture against his former club.
The Dutchman is no stranger to management, having previously taken charge of ADO Den Haag and FC Dordrecht in the Netherlands, along with Belgian outfit Beerschot.
However, leading Fenerbahçe into a Champions League encounter with Liverpool would represent one of the biggest occasions of his managerial career to date.
A familiar face for Liverpool
Kuyt remains a popular figure among Liverpool supporters following his six seasons at Anfield between 2006 and 2012.
Signed from Feyenoord by Rafael Benítez, he established himself as a tireless and versatile forward, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances.
His Liverpool career included a memorable hat-trick against Manchester United, important goals against Everton and a contribution to the club’s 2012 League Cup final victory over Cardiff City.
He joined Fenerbahçe that summer and spent three seasons in Istanbul, helping the club secure the Turkish league title in 2013-14.
His return to the club as a coach earlier this year has now unexpectedly presented him with an opportunity to lead the first team.
Liverpool’s visit to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on 4 November promises to be an intriguing occasion, particularly if Kuyt remains in charge.
For a player whose commitment and work rate made him such a favourite at Anfield, the prospect of facing Liverpool from the opposition dugout adds an interesting personal dimension to an important Champions League fixture.
