There will be a familiar face in the opposing dugout when Liverpool play Fenerbahce next week, with cult hero Dirk Kuyt appointed interim manager of the Turkish side.
Ismail Kartal resigned as manager after a 2-1 loss to Galatasaray on Monday, ending his fourth stint in charge of the club.
The 65-year-old claimed to have resigned last month after defeat to Roma in the Champions League, but remained in charge.
Fenerbahce were hammered 6-0 by Aston Villa two weeks ago and the latest loss to rivals Galatasaray has seen him properly step down this time.
Kuyt joined Fenerbahce in June this year as Kartal’s assistant manager and has now stepped up to interim boss after his resignation.
On Saturday he will lead the team for the first time against Goztepe, before facing his old side Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday November 4.
Fenerbahce confirmed the news in two brief statements, the first on Tuesday read: ‘Our Head Coach, İsmail Kartal, has informed our management of his decision to resign, and following discussions, this decision has been evaluated with mutual understanding and respect.
‘We thank İsmail Kartal for his efforts, dedication, and commitment to Fenerbahce. We wish him success in his future career.’
On Wednesday they added: ‘Following İsmail Kartal’s resignation, our club has appointed Dirk Kuyt as the head coach of our Football A Team until a new head coach is appointed.’
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Kuyt spent six seasons at Liverpool, scoring 71 goals in 285 games and winning one League Cup.
He left for Fenerbahce in 2012 where he played for three years, winning the Super Lig in 2014.
Kuyt is expected to take charge until the international break, at least, which will see him manage three games.
The 46-year-old does have experience as the main man, having been in charge of ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht.
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Liverpool cult hero to manage Fenerbahce against Reds after boss resigns | Football
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