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Dirk Kuyt explains key to beating Liverpool after coming back to haunt his old side

Dirk Kuyt got one over his old side, winning 3-2 in the Champions League with Fenerbahce against Liverpool, and he was delighted to get the victory as interim head coach

Dirk Kuyt after beating Liverpool with Fenerbahce.
Dirk Kuyt after beating Liverpool with Fenerbahce.

Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt came back to haunt his old side, winning 3-2 against the Reds in the Champions League as interim head coach of Fenerbahce.

In his post-match interview, Kuyt described the victory as another "miracle in Istanbul," referencing the famous Liverpool comeback in the final of the competition in 2005. The Dutchman signed for the Anfield side a year later and went on to make nearly 300 appearances for the Reds.

Kuyt added that being on the touchline for the game "meant a great deal" to him as he sent a message to Emre Belozoglu, the man who will take on the managerial position on a permanent basis.

"What I learned while playing at Liverpool was never to give up," Kuyt said. "We needed to bring the energy and passion back to the team.

"Before the match, I told my players, 'Years ago, a miracle happened in Istanbul. Liverpool came back from 3-0 down and won the Champions League. Nobody expected Liverpool to win the Champions League. Maybe many people don't believe it, but I do. Let's create a miracle together.'

"We have a plan, we have a philosophy, but above all, our players need to believe in it. When you do that, you can beat the best teams in the world.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during the Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during the Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce.

"When you believe, you can beat any team in the world. I also wished Emre Belozoglu good luck. It will be great that the players will go to training tomorrow with these positive feelings."

Kuyt was also pressed on whether he might stay on as a coach at Fenerbahce, working alongside Belozoglu as an assistant. While he didn't commit either way, this was a good audition.

"I played with Emre Belozoglu for a long time," he explained. "We maintained our friendship. We hadn't talked much in recent months, but if there's a good friendship, that doesn't matter.

"My job was to focus entirely on this match. I was focused on my task today. Last night, the club announced Emre. This morning I saw Emre, we hugged.

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"He wished me good luck. We talked about the club. We didn't talk tactics. He wished me good luck. We'll see what happens tomorrow and afterwards.

"I'm very happy at Fenerbahce. The president gave me the chance to be at this wonderful club. As long as he wants me here, and if Emre agrees, I will continue to stay.

"What's important here is not the person, but what's most important for the club. I want to stay at Fenerbahce, I love Fenerbahce very much. We must do the best for Fenerbahce. Whatever decision the president makes, let it be for the best for Fenerbahce."

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