Fenerbahçe hand Dirk Kuyt interim reins until international break
In brief
Fenerbahçe confirmed on 30 October 2026 that Dirk Kuyt will lead the first team as caretaker until the November international break. Kuyt, in charge since İsmail Kartal resigned, takes on Göztepe and Çorum FK in the Süper Lig and Liverpool in the Champions League.
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe officially confirmed on 30 October 2026 that former Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt will remain in charge of the first team as caretaker until the November international break. According to the club statement reported by Anadolu Agency, the decision followed a board meeting on the club's technical set-up, putting a clear end date on Kuyt's interim spell.
Head coach İsmail Kartal handed in his resignation after Fenerbahçe's 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray in week 9 of the Süper Lig, Habertürk reported. The club initially said Kuyt would take charge until a new head coach was found. The latest statement ties that role to a fixed timeline, while the search for a permanent appointment has been handed to a committee set up by the board.
“Following the assessments made, it has been decided that the technical responsibility of our first team will be carried out by Dirk Kuyt until the league break for international matches. It has been decided that the work to appoint our new head coach will be conducted by a committee formed by our Board of Directors and that the process will be accelerated.”
Which matches will Dirk Kuyt take charge of?
Dirk Kuyt will lead Fenerbahçe in three competitive matches before the international break: two in the Süper Lig and one in the UEFA Champions League. According to the ScoreLab fixture list, the schedule is:
- 31 October 2026 — Fenerbahçe vs Göztepe (Süper Lig, week 10)
- 4 November 2026 — Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool (UEFA Champions League)
- 8 November 2026 — Çorum FK vs Fenerbahçe (Süper Lig, week 11)
Where do Fenerbahçe stand in the Süper Lig?
Fenerbahçe sit fifth in the Süper Lig with 16 points from 9 matches (ScoreLab data). They have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 3; their 23 goals make for a potent attack, yet they trail leaders Galatasaray, who have 22 points.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| League position | 5th |
| Points | 16 |
| Matches played | 9 |
| Won-drawn-lost | 5-1-3 |
| Goals for-against | 23-8 |
| Leaders Galatasaray's points | 22 |
Source: ScoreLab data, before week 10
Recent form has been uneven. In the league, Fenerbahçe won 3-0 away at Rizespor and 3-0 at home to Alanyaspor. In the Champions League they were beaten 6-0 at Aston Villa and drew 2-2 with Slavia Prague, before the run ended with the 2-1 derby loss to Galatasaray (ScoreLab data).
Who is Dirk Kuyt?
Dirk Kuyt, born in 1980, is a Dutch former forward who is well known to Fenerbahçe fans from his playing days. ScoreLab data shows he scored 24 goals in 104 appearances for the Netherlands and 266 goals in 746 matches across 4 clubs. His honours include 1 Süper Lig title, 1 Turkish Cup, 1 Eredivisie title, 2 Dutch Cups and 1 English League Cup. Turkish outlets Habertürk and Ajansspor describe his current role as technical lead, with responsibility for the team until a permanent head coach is named.
When will Fenerbahçe name a new head coach?
Fenerbahçe have not set a date for appointing a permanent head coach; the club said only that a committee will run the process and speed it up. No candidates have been officially named. According to the ScoreLab fixture list, the first league match after the break is away at Kocaelispor on 22 November 2026, and it is not yet known whether a new coach will be in place by then. The club's statement also urged supporters to back the team.
“Now is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder and stand by our players and technical staff.”
Sources
- 1.Anadolu AjansıSüha Gür
- 2.
- 3.AjanssporOrhan Gülek
- 4.
Frequently asked questions
How long will Dirk Kuyt be Fenerbahçe's interim coach?
According to Fenerbahçe's statement of 30 October 2026, Dirk Kuyt will lead the first team until the November international break.
Which games will Dirk Kuyt manage?
Kuyt will take charge against Göztepe on 31 October, Liverpool on 4 November and Çorum FK on 8 November 2026.
Why did İsmail Kartal leave Fenerbahçe?
İsmail Kartal resigned after Fenerbahçe lost the week 9 Süper Lig derby 2-1 to Galatasaray.
Who will choose Fenerbahçe's new head coach?
A committee formed by Fenerbahçe's board will lead the search; no candidate has been officially announced.
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This analysis was prepared by the ScoreLab Newsroom using the sources listed and ScoreLab data. Editorial policy