Dirk Kuyt makes loyalty vow ahead of managing Fenerbahce against former club Liverpool
Dirk Kuyt says he will set aside his affection for Liverpool because his responsibility right now lies with Fenerbahce ahead of the two teams meeting in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The former Reds forward has been handed interim control of the Turkish Super Lig club following the resignation of Ismail Kartal last week.
Kuyt spent six years on Liverpool’s books as a player between 2006 and 2012, winning the League Cup while also reaching the Champions League final during his time at Anfield.
He told a press conference he had been anticipating this fixture for some time, but insisted he has no split loyalties heading into the game.
“As soon as the draw was done, I was really excited because everyone knows how much Fenerbahce and Liverpool mean to me and, from that moment, you know it will be a special occasion,” he told a press conference.
“Of course, tomorrow will be a very special occasion for me but at the stage we’re in, I’m not here for myself.
“I’m here for the club and that’s what is important – to show the fans who deserve much more, a reaction, positive energy and a good performance.”
Fenerbahce's form going into the match is poor, with just one win to show from their last five games in all competitions, and Aston Villa beat them 6-0 in the Champions League last month.
Liverpool's visit gives them another demanding examination.
“We have really good players but we need to show up and when we show up tomorrow with good energy and passion, I think it will be a special night,” added Kuyt.
“Liverpool is an amazing team but so is Fenerbahce and if we and the fans can show up tomorrow, then Europe will really see how big Fenerbahce is.”
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from just their second defeat of the season after losing 1-0 to Arsenal on Sunday.
That result left them nine points adrift of the Gunners in the Premier League, but Andoni Iraola’s men have taken maximum points from their opening three Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal.
