Kuyt pledges focus on Fenerbahce for Champions League tie Liverpool

Dirk Kuyt says he will set aside his affection for Liverpool because his responsibility now lies with Fenerbahce ahead of the two sides meeting in the Champions League on Wednesday as he prepares to lead them in the upcoming European tie.

Interim appointment after Kartal’s resignation

The former Reds forward has been handed interim control of the Turkish Super Lig club after Ismail Kartal resigned last week.

Kuyt spent six years on Liverpool’s books as a player from 2006 to 2012, winning the League Cup and reaching the Champions League final while at Anfield.

He told a press conference he had been anticipating the fixture, saying: “As soon as the draw was done, I was really excited because everyone knows how much Fenerbahce and Liverpool mean to me and, from that moment, you know it will be a special occasion.”

He added: “Of course, tomorrow will be a very special occasion for me but at the stage we’re in, I’m not here for myself; I’m here for the club and that’s what is important – to show the fans who deserve much more, a reaction, positive energy and a good performance.”

Fenerbahce’s form heading into the match is poor, with only one win in their previous five games across all competitions and a 6‑0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Champions League last month.

Kuyt said: “We have really good players but we need to show up and when we show up tomorrow with good energy and passion, I think it will be a special night.”

He also remarked: “Liverpool is an amazing team but so is Fenerbahce and if we and the fans can show up tomorrow, then Europe will really see how big Fenerbahce is.”

Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from only their second defeat of the season after a 1‑0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.

That loss left them nine points behind the Gunners in the Premier League, while Andoni Iraola’s side have secured maximum points from their first three Champions League games against Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal.