Fenerbahce’s coaching chaos has handed Dirk Kuyt a reunion with Liverpool before he has even settled in.
Ismail Kartal resigned as Fenerbahce (1.33) coach one day after a derby defeat to Galatasaray, with his assistant Dirk Kuyt taking over on an interim basis.
Kartal Calls Time
Kartal confirmed his decision on Tuesday. Fenerbahce lost 2-1 to Galatasaray on Monday. It was their third league defeat of the season.
The club released a statement thanking him for his “efforts, dedication, and commitment.” It said the decision was reached “with mutual understanding and respect.”
The 65-year-old began his fourth spell in charge in June. Fenerbahce had dismissed Domenico Tedesco after Galatasaray (1.65) won the title by three points. Kartal lasted just 18 matches.
Pressure had built for weeks. Fenerbahce spent over €100 million in the summer. They signed Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, Vedat Muriqi and Nathan Ake. They still trail Galatasaray by six points.
European results have also disappointed. Fenerbahce have taken two points from three Champions League games. They drew 1-1 with Roma and 2-2 with Slavia Prague. They then lost 6-0 to Aston Villa.
Kartal had already tried to quit once. He announced his resignation after the Roma draw. “I resigned while the path is still clear,” he said.
President Aziz Yildirim rejected it after an emotional meeting. Kartal had already packed his office.
Kuyt Steps Up
Fenerbahce named Kuyt technical supervisor until a new head coach is found. The 46-year-old joined the staff as assistant in June.
His playing credentials are strong. He won the Turkish league title with Fenerbahce in 2013-14. At Liverpool, he scored 71 goals in 285 appearances between 2006 and 2012. He also won the League Cup in 2012.
His coaching record is modest. He led ADO Den Haag, Beerschot and FC Dordrecht. None of those spells brought notable success.
Now Kuyt gets a bigger stage. He will take charge of three games. His first is against Goztepe on Saturday. Corum follow, and then Liverpool.
Liverpool Reunion Looms
Fenerbahce host Liverpool on Wednesday, 4 November. The Reds have won all three of their Champions League games. Kuyt scored in Liverpool’s 2007 Champions League final loss to AC Milan. He now faces them from the opposite dugout.
His agent, Rob Jansen, sees an opening. “If Dirk performs well in the upcoming matches, he might well be in the running to see out the season,” Jansen told Algemeen Dagblad.
He compared the situation to Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United. Van Nistelrooy also began as an interim before gaining wider consideration.
Who Are The Permanent Candidates To Take Charge?
Fenerbahce are reportedly talking to several foreign coaches. Turkish media link them with Vincenzo Montella and Julian Nagelsmann. Montella previously managed Turkey. Nagelsmann led Germany at the World Cup.
The club wants their first league title in 13 years. But time is short. Kuyt therefore has three matches to prove himself. A strong showing against Liverpool could change the debate entirely.
