Dirk Kuyt has been named interim coach of Fenerbahce just days before their Champions League match against Liverpool, marking a significant return to management for the former player.

Dirk Kuyt has stepped into the role of interim coach for Fenerbahce following the resignation of Ismail Kartal. This appointment comes just a week before the Turkish club faces his former team, Liverpool, in the Champions League.

Kuyt, who had been serving as an assistant coach, will lead the team until a permanent replacement is found.

On October 23, Ismail Kartal resigned as Fenerbahce's manager after a disappointing 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Galatasaray.

Dirk Kuyt was promoted from his assistant position to interim coach shortly after Kartal's resignation.

Kuyt's first match in charge will be against Goztepe in the Turkish league on October 30.

The highly anticipated Champions League clash against Liverpool is scheduled for November 4.

Kuyt, a former Fenerbahce player, won the Turkish league title with the club during the 2013-14 season and has prior managerial experience at several clubs. He now faces the challenge of improving Fenerbahce's standing, currently fifth in the league and trailing leaders Galatasaray by six points.