Dirk Kuyt is back in the Fenerbahçe dugout, this time as the man in charge. The Turkish club confirmed on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, that the former Liverpool striker has been appointed interim head coach following the resignation of Ismail Kartal. Kartal stepped down after a 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Galatasaray left Fenerbahçe sitting fifth in the Super Lig, six points off the pace at the top.
The 46-year-old Dutchman is no stranger to the Istanbul club. He played for Fenerbahçe from 2012 to 2015 after leaving Liverpool, and during that time he was part of the squad that won the Super Lig title in the 2013-14 season alongside other domestic honours. He returned to the club in June 2026 as an assistant under Kartal, and has now been stepped up to lead the first team while a permanent manager is sought.
Before his time in Turkey, Kuyt made his name at Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, making 285 appearances and scoring 71 goals. He earned cult status at Anfield for his relentless work rate, versatility, and knack for showing up in big moments. After retiring in 2017, he moved into coaching, taking charge of ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht before this latest chapter.
His first major test as interim boss will be a Champions League fixture against Liverpool on November 4, a meeting that carries obvious personal weight. Kuyt scored in the 2007 Champions League final, a match Liverpool lost to AC Milan, so he knows better than most what European nights at Anfield feel like. Whether that history helps or haunts him remains to be seen.
Originally published by NotJustOk.