Dirk Kuyt takes interim charge of Fenerbahce after Kartal resignation

Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim coach of Fenerbahce following Ismail Kartal's resignation, BBC Sport reported. The 46-year-old former Netherlands forward moves up from his role as assistant with the club fifth in the Turkish top flight, six points behind leaders Galatasaray, and preparing to face Liverpool in the Champions League.

Kartal resigned after Fenerbahce lost 2-1 to Galatasaray on Monday. It was not his first attempt to leave the position this season: according to the BBC, he had also offered his resignation in September, but remained in charge because the club did not accept it on that occasion.

Fenerbahce said Kuyt would lead the team until they appoint a new head coach. His appointment is therefore an interim arrangement, rather than an announcement that he will hold the job permanently. He had been working as Kartal's assistant since June 2026, having previously managed ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht.

The first fixture under Kuyt will be Saturday's league match against Goztepe. Fenerbahce then host Liverpool on Wednesday, 4 November, with kick-off scheduled for 17:45 GMT. The European fixture brings together two clubs the Dutchman represented during his playing career, with the coaching change coming a week before their meeting.

During his playing career in England, Kuyt spent six years at Liverpool, making 285 appearances and scoring 71 goals for the Anfield club. He was part of the side that won the League Cup in 2012. His playing career subsequently took him to Fenerbahce, where he spent three years and helped the club win the Turkish league title in the 2013-14 season.

After his time in Turkey, Kuyt played for Feyenoord before retiring in 2017. He now returns to a leading role at Fenerbahce with his immediate schedule set: a domestic match against Goztepe followed by Liverpool's visit. The club's announcement leaves the duration of his tenure dependent on the appointment of a new head coach, rather than specifying a fixed term.