By Fatma Younis
Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim manager of Fenerbahce, one week before the Turkish club faces his former team in the Champions League.
Kartal resignation prompts appointment
The move comes after head coach Ismail Kartal resigned on Tuesday following a 2-1 defeat to rivals Galatasaray. Kuyt, who served as Kartal's assistant, will lead the team until a permanent replacement is found.
Upcoming challenges
Kuyt's first match in charge will be a domestic fixture against Goztepe this weekend, with Fenerbahce sitting fifth in the Super Lig. The Dutchman will then prepare for a Champions League clash against Liverpool in Istanbul next week.
Kuyt spent six seasons at Anfield, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances and winning the League Cup in 2012. He also enjoyed a three-year playing spell at Fenerbahce, securing the Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles.
The 46-year-old earned 104 caps for the Netherlands, featuring in the 2010 World Cup final. His managerial career includes stints at ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht before returning to Fenerbahce as assistant coach in June 2026.
Fenerbahce have not won the league since the 2013-14 season and currently trail leaders Galatasaray by six points after nine matches.
