Liverpool cult hero to manage Fenerbahce against Reds after boss resigns

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| Sports Reporter Published October 28, 2026 12:38pm Updated October 28, 2026 12:38pm Ismail Kartal has stepped down as Fenerbahce boss (Picture: Getty Images) There will be a familiar face in the opposing dugout when Liverpool play Fenerbahce next week, with cult hero Dirk Kuyt appointed interim manager of the Turkish side. Ismail Kartal resigned as manager after a 2-1 loss to Galatasaray on Monday, ending his fourth stint in charge of the club.

Kuyt joined Fenerbahce in June this year as Kartal’s assistant manager and has now stepped up to interim boss after his resignation. Fenerbahce confirmed the news in two brief statements, the first on Tuesday read: ‘Our Head Coach, İsmail Kartal, has informed our management of his decision to resign, and following discussions, this decision has been evaluated with mutual understanding and respect.

Dirk Kuyt steps up from assistant manager (Picture: Alamy Live News.) ‘We thank İsmail Kartal for his efforts, dedication, and commitment to Fenerbahce. We wish him success in his future career.’ On Wednesday they added: ‘Following İsmail Kartal’s resignation, our club has appointed Dirk Kuyt as the head coach of our Football A Team until a new head coach is appointed.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.