Fenerbahçe part company with assistant coach Dirk Kuyt
Türkiye’s Fenerbahçe have parted company with assistant coach Dirk Kuyt following Emre Belözoğlu’s arrival as head coach. The Dutchman had temporarily led the team for two matches between coaching appointments. In his farewell, Kuyt said he respected Belözoğlu’s freedom to choose his staff and recalled the Champions League victory over his former club Liverpool.
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Kuyt leaves after the change of head coach
Türkiye’s Fenerbahçe football club have ended assistant coach Dirk Kuyt’s spell following Emre Belözoğlu’s appointment as head coach. The 46-year-old Dutchman had joined the staff in July and spent four months at the club. His work began under İsmail Kartal, then continued with a temporary spell in charge after Kartal’s resignation and before Belözoğlu took over.[1], [2], [3]
Kuyt thanked the club president for trusting him and giving him the first assistant coach’s job. Looking back on the months since his arrival, he described them as demanding and intense, but also special. He said he had enjoyed being part of the Fenerbahçe family. The club’s own farewell thanked him for his contribution as both a player and a coach.[1], [3]
Two interim matches included a Liverpool victory
Fenerbahçe played twice under Kuyt during the transition: they lost 2-1 at home to Göztepe in the Turkish league, then beat Liverpool 3-2 in the Champions League. In his farewell, Kuyt said taking temporary charge after four months of close work with the head coach and his staff had been difficult. He said he had felt a great responsibility towards the club, players and supporters.[1], [3]
He singled out qualification for the Champions League after 18 years as a shared achievement that made him proud. The win over Liverpool, his former club, brought his temporary coaching assignment to a close. It was also his first Champions League match in charge of a team. Kuyt called the victory an unforgettable experience and said he would treasure it alongside his other memories of Fenerbahçe.[1], [2]
He respects Belözoğlu’s choice of staff
Kuyt wished Belözoğlu success and said he understood a head coach’s need to make his own decisions about staff. Drawing on his previous experience in charge of teams, he said coaches should have the freedom to assemble the group they consider most suitable for themselves and their club. He said he respected and understood Belözoğlu’s decision.[1], [2]
His farewell also thanked players, coaching colleagues, people working behind the scenes and supporters for their passion, support and shared memories. He wished Fenerbahçe success and described the separation as a pause rather than a permanent goodbye. The club, recalling a relationship that began years before his coaching appointment, said his place within its wider family would continue after his departure.[1], [3]
