Dirk Kuyt set for surprise Liverpool reunion next week after official statement

Dirk Kuyt named interim Fenerbahce boss after Ismail Kartal's resignation; will face Liverpool in Champions League next Wednesday.

Dirk Kuyt has been appointed interim manager of Fenerbahce following Ismail Kartal's resignation on Tuesday. Kartal stepped down after just four months in his fourth spell with the club, following a 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray that left Fenerbahce fifth in the Turkish league, six points off the top.

Kuyt, who spent six seasons at Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances, rejoined Fenerbahce as assistant manager in June. He will take charge starting with Saturday's home league match against Goztepe and is expected to remain in the role until at least the international break. His first major test will be a Champions League fixture against Liverpool in Istanbul next Wednesday, followed by a league match at Corum a week later.

The Dutch legend, who scored 37 goals in 130 appearances during three seasons as a Fenerbahce player, winning the league title and Turkish Cup, remains popular at Anfield for his committed style of play.