Fenerbahçe Name Interim Head Coach: Dirk Kuyt Takes Charge of the Team
Following İsmail Kartal's resignation, Fenerbahçe have handed the team to assistant coach Dirk Kuyt until a new head coach is appointed.
Fenerbahçe have appointed Dirk Kuyt as interim head coach of the first team following İsmail Kartal's resignation. Having made a change in the coaching staff after the 2-1 defeat in the derby against Galatasaray, the Yellow-Navy Blues have entrusted the team to the Dutchman until a new manager is appointed. Kuyt, 46, a former player of the club, had been serving as Kartal's assistant since the start of the season.
In an official statement, the club said: "Following İsmail Kartal's resignation, our club has appointed Dirk Kuyt as interim head coach of our first team until our new head coach is appointed."
Dirk Kuyt began his coaching career with Feyenoord U19 and went on to manage ADO Den Haag and Beerschot. Most recently in charge of Eerste Divisie side Dordrecht in the 2025/26 season, the Dutch coach returned to Fenerbahçe as an assistant coach in July 2026. Kuyt is under contract with the club until June 2027.
During his playing career, Kuyt represented Liverpool, Feyenoord and Fenerbahçe, joining the Yellow-Navy Blues from the English side in 2012. The Dutchman played for Fenerbahçe between 2012 and 2015, recording 37 goals and 28 assists in 130 appearances. With the club, Kuyt won the Süper Lig title in the 2013/14 season, as well as the Turkish Cup and the Turkish Super Cup.