Dirk Kuyt has been appointed Fenerbahce's interim head coach, stepping into the role just one week before the Turkish club host his former side Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

The 46-year-old former Netherlands forward takes charge following the resignation of Ismail Kartal, who stepped down after Fenerbahce suffered a 2-1 defeat against arch rivals Galatasaray on Monday. Fenerbahce confirmed Kuyt will hold the position "until a new head coach is appointed."

A familiar face at the helm

Kuyt is no stranger to Fenerbahce. He spent three seasons at the club as a player and lifted the Turkish league title with them in 2013-14. His connection to the club runs deep, and he had already been serving as assistant coach since June 2026.

Before returning to Fenerbahce's dugout in a coaching capacity, Kuyt managed ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht — building a steady managerial CV across Dutch football.

Liverpool reunion on the horizon

Kuyt's first test as interim boss comes on Saturday in a league fixture against Goztepe. But the bigger challenge arrives the following Wednesday, 4 November (17:45 GMT), when Fenerbahce host Liverpool in a Champions League group stage match.

The Dutchman enjoyed a celebrated six-year spell at Liverpool, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances for the Reds and collecting the League Cup in 2012. He later rounded off his playing career at Feyenoord before retiring in 2017.

A mountain to climb in the league

On the domestic front, Kuyt inherits a Fenerbahce side sitting fifth in the Turkish top-flight, six points adrift of table-toppers Galatasaray. This is not the first time Kartal has attempted to walk away — he had previously resigned in September, only for that resignation to be rejected and for him to remain in post.

With European football, a derby hangover, and a league gap to address, Kuyt's brief as interim manager could scarcely be more demanding.