Liverpool cult hero Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim manager of Fenerbahce after Ismail Kartal resigned, meaning a familiar face will be in the opposing dugout when the Turkish side face the Reds next week.
Kartal stepped down after a 2-1 loss to Galatasaray on Monday, ending his fourth spell in charge of the club. The 65-year-old had claimed to have resigned last month after a Champions League defeat to Roma but remained in his role. Fenerbahce were beaten 6-0 by Aston Villa two weeks ago, and the latest defeat to rivals Galatasaray prompted him to leave for good this time.
Kuyt steps up from assistant role
Kuyt joined Fenerbahce in June this year as Kartal's assistant manager and has now been promoted to interim boss following the resignation. On Saturday he will lead the team for the first time against Goztepe, before facing his former club Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday November 4.
Fenerbahce confirmed the news in two brief statements. The first, issued on Tuesday, read: 'Our Head Coach, İsmail Kartal, has informed our management of his decision to resign, and following discussions, this decision has been evaluated with mutual understanding and respect.'
'We thank İsmail Kartal for his efforts, dedication, and commitment to Fenerbahce. We wish him success in his future career.'
On Wednesday, they added: 'Following İsmail Kartal's resignation, our club has appointed Dirk Kuyt as the head coach of our Football A Team until a new head coach is appointed.'
Kuyt's Liverpool and Fenerbahce history
Kuyt spent six seasons at Liverpool, scoring 71 goals in 285 games and winning one League Cup. He left for Fenerbahce in 2012, where he played for three years and won the Super Lig in 2014.
Kuyt is expected to take charge until the international break, at least, which will see him manage three games. The 46-year-old has previous head coaching experience, having been in charge of ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht.
