Fenerbahce name ex-Liverpool player Kuyt interim coach

Fenerbahce has named former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt as their interim head coach following the resignation of Ismail Kartal, according to BBC Sport. Kuyt, 46, will lead the Turkish side until a permanent coach is appointed, having previously served as Kartal's assistant. The club confirmed Kuyt's appointment on Wednesday, noting that he will remain in charge until a new head coach is confirmed.

Kartal's departure followed a 2-1 loss to rivals Galatasaray on Monday, placing Fenerbahce fifth in the Turkish top flight, six points behind the leaders. Kuyt's first game in charge will be against Goztepe on Saturday, followed by a UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool on Wednesday, November 4, at 17:45 GMT, where he will face his former team.

Kuyt, who played for Liverpool for six years and scored 71 goals in 285 appearances, also had a successful stint at Fenerbahce, winning the Turkish league title in 2013-14. He later returned to Feyenoord before retiring in 2017. Prior to his managerial role at Fenerbahce, Kuyt managed ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht.