Dirk Kuyt takes interim charge of Fenerbahce ahead of Liverpool reunion

Dirk Kuyt has been placed in interim charge of Fenerbahce, setting up a touchline reunion with Liverpool when the Reds visit Turkiye in the Champions League next week.

The Dutchman steps up after Ismail Kartal resigned as head coach earlier this week. Kuyt had joined Kartal's staff as assistant manager during the summer. Kartal stepped down after defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray on Monday night left Fenerbahce fifth in the table.

Fenerbahce have not named a permanent successor. The club said Kuyt will lead the team "until a new head coach is appointed". The 46-year-old is a popular figure at Fenerbahce, where he scored 37 goals in 130 games, winning the Süper Lig title in 2014.

A familiar face for Liverpool

Kuyt had signed for Fenerbahce from Liverpool after six seasons at Anfield, between 2006 and 2012. He scored 71 goals in 285 appearances for the Reds.

After retiring from football in 2017, Kuyt has stepped into coaching. He's had senior roles with ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht before returning to Fenerbahce as assistant in the summer.

Unless a permanent appointment is made prior, Kuyt will be in the opposition dugout when Liverpool face Fenerbahce on Wednesday, November 4, in their fourth match of the Champions League league phase. Liverpool have a perfect record after three games, while Fenerbahce are winless. The Turkish side have drawn twice and lost once.