Kuyt vows full loyalty to Fenerbahce as he prepares to face former club Liverpool in Champions League

Dirk Kuyt has pledged his undivided loyalty to Fenerbahce as he prepares to face Liverpool — the club where he spent six years as a player — in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Dutchman was handed interim control of the Turkish Super Lig side following the resignation of manager Ismail Kartal last week.

Kuyt, who played for Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, winning the League Cup and reaching a Champions League final during his time at Anfield, acknowledged the personal significance of the fixture but was clear about where his allegiances now lie.

“As soon as the draw was done, I was really excited because everyone knows how much Fenerbahce and Liverpool mean to me,” he said at a press conference. “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.”

The timing of the appointment presents a considerable challenge. Fenerbahce arrive at the fixture in poor form, with just one win from their last five games across all competitions. Aston Villa hammered them 6-0 in the Champions League last month, and a Liverpool side that has taken maximum points from their opening three European matches — against Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal — represents another stern test.

Despite that backdrop, Kuyt struck a defiant tone. “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 said. “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.”

For Liverpool, the game offers an opportunity to regroup after their first significant domestic setback of the season. Andoni Iraola’s side lost 1-0 to Arsenal on Sunday, a result that left them nine points behind the Gunners in the Premier League. A return to European action, where they remain unbeaten, will be a welcome reset.