Dirk Kuyt takes charge of first training session ahead of Liverpool clash
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Dirk Kuyt has taken charge of his first training session as Fenerbahce’s head coach ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool Fenerbahce are preparing for a crucial period following a change in the dugout, with Liverpool set to visit Istanbul in the Champions League next week.The Turkish club are fifth in the Super Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray, and have collected just two points from their first three Champions League league-phase matches.Fenerbahce lost 6-0 to Aston Villa before drawing with Roma and Slavia Prague. They led Slavia 2-0 but eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.The club are now preparing for their next fixtures under interim coach Dirk Kuyt, who took charge after Ismail Kartal resigned late on Tuesday, a day after the 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray.Kuyt, 46, previously served as Kartal’s assistant and will remain in charge until Fenerbahce appoint a permanent head coach.The former Liverpool forward has now overseen his first training session in the new role.
The Liverpool clash follows on Wednesday, November 4, with kick-off scheduled for 17:45 GMT.Kuyt will therefore have his first match in charge against Goztepe before facing Liverpool in Europe.The Dutchman has a strong connection with both clubs. He scored 71 goals in 285 appearances for Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, including a goal in the 2007 Champions League final defeat to AC Milan and another in extra time during the 2012 League Cup final victory over Cardiff City.He subsequently spent three years at Fenerbahce, scoring 37 goals in 130 appearances and winning the Turkish league title and the Turkish Cup.Kuyt later managed Feyenoord’s under-19 team, ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht before returning to Fenerbahce as Kartal’s assistant in June.Kartal had previously attempted to resign in September following a 1-1 draw with Roma, but club president Aziz Yildirim initially kept him in charge.
His latest resignation was accepted.Fenerbahce have yet to announce a permanent replacement, with Turkish media suggesting Kuyt could remain in the role until the international break.Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive in Istanbul with a perfect Champions League record after winning their opening three matches. Go ad-free today. dirk kuyt Fenerbahce