Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has been appointed Fenerbahce’s interim coach a week before they face his former club in the Champions League.
The 46-year-old Dutchman, who has been assistant manager at the Turkish club, has been given the role after Ismail Kartal resigned as manager following the side’s 2-1 defeat by Galatasaray on Monday night.
Kuyt spent six seasons at Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, becoming an Anfield cult hero through relentless stamina, selfless teamwork, and a knack for crucial goals in key games.
Signed by Rafael Benitez from Feyenoord, in his debut season, he struck the winning penalty in the 2007 Champions League semi-final shootout against Chelsea and scored in the final against AC Milan.
Kuyt concluded his Liverpool spell with silverware in 2012, coming off the bench to score in extra time and net his penalty in the League Cup final victory over Cardiff City at Wembley.
He departed for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2012 and played for the Turkish side for three seasons, scoring 37 goals in 130 appearances, before returning to his boyhood club Feyenoord to end his playing career.
He’s only been in the assistant manager role at Fenerbahce since June, but its possible he may be offered the job full time.
Liverpool travel to Istanbul for the game at the Chobani Stadium next Wednesday (kick-off 5.45pm).
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