Dirk Kuyt handed emergency manager role with imminent Liverpool fixture

Dirk Kuyt takes temporary charge of Fenerbahce after Ismail Kartal's resignation, with Liverpool visiting on November 4 in the Champions League.

Fenerbahce have appointed Dirk Kuyt as interim manager following the mutual departure of Ismail Kartal. The 65-year-old, who stepped up from his assistant role, takes charge just seven days before the Turkish club hosts Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4.

Kartal's exit came after a damaging 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray on the weekend, following months of turbulence that included a 6-0 hammering by Aston Villa in Europe earlier this month. Kartal had offered his resignation in September after a Champions League draw with Roma, but it was refused at that time.

Kuyt, a former Liverpool forward who spent six years at Anfield before joining Fenerbahce in 2012, will oversee a Super Lig match against Goztepe on Saturday before the Liverpool fixture. The club has confirmed he will remain in charge until a new permanent head coach is appointed, with ex-Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella among those linked with the vacancy.