Emre Belözoğlu replaces Dirk Kuyt as Fenerbahçe head coach
Kuyt’s interim spell has ended after one match, with Belözoğlu set to take charge against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Emre Belözoğlu has been appointed Fenerbahçe head coach, ending Dirk Kuyt’s brief period in interim charge. The 46-year-old Turkish coach arrives from Kasimpasa and will be in the dugout for Wednesday evening’s Champions League match against Liverpool.
Kuyt oversaw only one game as interim coach, a home defeat by Göztepe last weekend. His future at Fenerbahçe is now uncertain, with no decision yet on whether he will be offered a place on Belözoğlu’s technical staff.
The Dutchman nevertheless made clear that he wants to remain with the Istanbul club. Speaking to NOS in comments carried by Voetbalzone, Kuyt said: “I want to stay here.” He added that Fenerbahçe’s long-term interests should take priority and said he was prepared to give everything for the club, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with others.
Belözoğlu is beginning his second spell as Fenerbahçe coach. The former midfielder previously took interim charge for ten matches in 2021, having earlier worked as the club’s sporting director. He and Kuyt also played together at Fenerbahçe and were members of the club’s most recent title-winning squad, twelve years ago. Belözoğlu’s immediate task is the meeting with Liverpool, while Kuyt waits to learn whether he has a role under the new head coach.
Reported first by
- Dirk Kuijt toch geen eindverantwoordelijke tegen Liverpool: Fenerbahçe heeft een nieuwe trainer | Voetbalzone— Voetbalzone
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