Despite new manager and intense emotions, Kuijt certain: 'I want to stay at Fener'

Kuijt, interim manager since last week, says he wants to stay at Fenerbahçe despite Emre Belözoğlu being appointed permanent head coach.

Dirk Kuijt has expressed his commitment to Fenerbahçe despite a turbulent week at the Turkish club. The Dutch interim manager, appointed suddenly last week, told the NOS on Tuesday: "One thing I know for sure: I want to stay here."

His position became complicated when Fenerbahçe announced the appointment of Emre Belözoğlu as permanent head coach while Kuijt was preparing the team for a Champions League match against his former club Liverpool. Belözoğlu is a former teammate of Kuijt's; the two played together at Fenerbahçe and were part of the squad that won the Turkish title twelve years ago. It remains unclear whether Kuijt will continue as assistant coach under the new manager.

Fenerbahçe are under intense pressure, sitting sixth in the Turkish league far behind rivals Galatasaray and having suffered multiple defeats in both domestic and European competition. Kuijt acknowledged the emotional intensity but said he remains focused on what is best for the club. "I'm ready to give everything for this club, but the decisions are made by other people. I find this a fantastic club and I'm very happy here," he said. The team faces Liverpool tonight in the Champions League, with uncertainty over whether Kuijt or Belözoğlu will be on the bench.