According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday October 28, 2026, Fenerbahçe have appointed former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt as interim head coach following the resignation of Ismail Kartal, the Turkish club announced on Wednesday, October 28.

Kuyt, 46, will take charge after serving as Kartal’s assistant. The club said he would remain in the position until a new head coach is appointed.

Kartal’s departure followed Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 defeat by arch-rivals Galatasaray on Monday. The result left Fenerbahçe fifth in the Turkish top flight, six points behind the league leaders.

The club now faces a busy week under its new interim manager. Kuyt’s first match in charge is a league fixture against Göztepe on Saturday.

Fenerbahçe will then host Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, at 17:45 GMT.

That European fixture will bring Kuyt up against a club closely associated with his playing career. The Dutchman spent six years at Liverpool, making him a familiar figure to the English side’s supporters.

Kuyt’s appointment gives Fenerbahçe an interim leader while the club considers its next permanent coaching appointment.

Having worked alongside Kartal, he is already familiar with the team and its setup, but he takes over at a challenging time, with the club seeking to improve its league position and continue its European campaign.

The defeat to Galatasaray has increased pressure around the team, given the rivalry between the clubs and Fenerbahçe’s gap to the top of the table.

The immediate focus will be on Saturday’s match against Göztepe, followed by the high-profile meeting with Liverpool.

Kuyt’s experience as a player includes spells at Liverpool, Feyenoord and Fenerbahçe. His new role marks another step in his coaching career, which has included work with the Turkish club as an assistant.

The Liverpool match is likely to draw particular attention because of Kuyt’s connection to the visitors.

He played for the Reds from 2006 to 2012, featuring in domestic and European competitions during his time at Anfield.

Fenerbahçe have not announced when they expect to name a permanent successor to Kartal.

For now, Kuyt will lead preparations for two important fixtures, beginning with the domestic clash against Göztepe before turning his attention to Liverpool.