"Kuyt" speaks directly before leading Fenerbahçe to face former club Liverpool in the UCL.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Dirk Kuyt, interim manager of Turkish league club Fenerbahçe, spoke openly ahead of facing his former team Liverpool in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League group stage match 4, scheduled for tonight at 00:45 GMT+7.
The former Liverpool striker was appointed interim head coach of Fenerbahçe last week after joining as an assistant coach in the summer, stepping up to replace Ismail Kartal who resigned.
Dirk Kuyt played 285 matches for Liverpool, scoring 71 goals during his time at Anfield from 2006 to 2012. He then spent three years at Fenerbahçe, winning one league title.
Dirk Kuyt shared his thoughts before leading Fenerbahçe against Liverpool and revealed his goal to secure three points against his old team: "The moment the draw was announced, as part of the technical staff, I felt very excited."
"Because everyone knows how much Fenerbahçe and Liverpool mean to me. At that moment, you immediately realize this will be a very special opportunity. Certainly, this game is very special for me personally, but in this situation, I am not the most important person. The club is the most important."
"Romelu Lukaku has spoken about the importance of showing the fans positive energy and good performance, which they deserve."
"We have talented players, but we need to prove ourselves. If we play with good energy, determination, and readiness, I believe it will be a very special night."
"Liverpool is an excellent team, just like Fenerbahçe, and if the fans come together to support, I believe Europe will see how great this fan base is."
"This is an important opportunity for Fenerbahçe and a great chance for every player, who needs to prove themselves. We have a good plan for tomorrow, but we must believe in that plan, which I trust every player does as well."
"If we show commitment and full energy, I sincerely hope Fenerbahçe fans will demonstrate their presence to Europe on the greatest stage, the UEFA Champions League, facing one of the biggest teams in this competition."
"This is a very special opportunity, which is why I am eagerly looking forward to this game. I am fully confident that from the first second the players step onto the pitch, all the fans will be behind us."
"That will be our greatest strength, and I think it will be the best chance to help us perform excellently, hopefully leading to a good result as well."