Fenerbahçe appoint Emre Belözoglu as new head coach

Emre Belözoglu appointed as Fenerbahçe's new head coach, ending Dirk Kuijt's interim spell after Ismail Kartal's departure.

Fenerbahçe have confirmed Emre Belözoglu as their new head coach, bringing an end to Dirk Kuijt's interim period following Ismail Kartal's resignation. Belözoglu, who previously managed Kasimpasa, returns for his second spell in charge at the Turkish club; he also served as interim manager and technical director there in 2021.

It remains unclear whether Kuijt will remain part of Belözoglu's coaching staff. Kuijt, the former Netherlands international, lost his most recent match as Göztepe manager last weekend, falling 2-1.

Belözoglu's first test could come as early as Wednesday when Liverpool visit Istanbul for a Champions League fixture, though it is uncertain whether the new manager will be in the dugout by then. The former midfielder, who played for Internazionale and Newcastle United during his career, made over 200 appearances for Fenerbahçe across three separate spells.