Former Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim coach of Fenerbahce just a week before the club faces his former side Liverpool in the Champions League. The 46-year-old, who won 104 caps for the Netherlands, is stepping up to the position following the departure of manager Ismail Kartal. Kartal resigned after Fenerbahce suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Galatasaray on Monday.
Fenerbahce announced that Kuyt will remain in charge "until a new head coach is appointed." The change in leadership follows earlier turbulence at the Turkish club, as Kartal had previously stepped down from his post in September, only to stay on when his resignation was not accepted on that occasion. Kuyt, who previously held managerial posts at ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht, had been working as Kartal's assistant after taking the role in June 2026.
The temporary position provides a reunion with two clubs from Kuyt's playing days. The Dutchman spent six years with the Anfield side, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances and winning the League Cup with the Reds in 2012. He then enjoyed a three-year stint at Fenerbahce, winning the Turkish league title with the club in the 2013-14 season, before eventually retiring as a player in 2017 following a spell at Feyenoord.
Kuyt's first match in charge will be a domestic league meeting against Goztepe on Saturday. After that fixture, Fenerbahce will host Liverpool in a Champions League group stage tie on Wednesday, 4 November (17:45 GMT). The interim coach inherits a domestic campaign that sees Fenerbahce sitting fifth in the Turkish top-flight, trailing leaders Galatasaray by six points.