Fenerbahçe, Dirk Kuyt, İsmail Kartal and Liverpool
28 October 2026
Fenerbahçe have appointed former Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt as interim head coach following İsmail Kartal’s resignation. The appointment comes one week before Kuyt faces his former club Liverpool in the Champions League.
Kuyt, previously Kartal’s assistant, will lead Fenerbahçe until a permanent successor is appointed. The former Liverpool forward spent six seasons at Anfield and also won the Turkish league with Fenerbahçe as a player. His first assignment is Saturday’s league match against Göztepe, followed by Liverpool’s Champions League visit on 4 November. Fenerbahçe currently sit fifth domestically, six points behind Galatasaray.
Why It Matters
Kuyt must quickly stabilise Fenerbahçe before a major Champions League encounter with Liverpool.
Upcoming Match
Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool