Dirk Kuijt leaves Fenerbahçe, Emre Belözoğlu takes charge

Dirk Kuijt announced via social media that he has left Fenerbahçe, after the Turkish top club reported on Wednesday that the Dutchman, who had been working as an assistant and interim coach in recent months, no longer has a future in Turkey. Emre Belözoğlu has been appointed as the new head coach, after Kuijt temporarily took over the duties of Ismail Kartel.

Kuijt thanks club and supporters

Kuijt praised the chairman for the trust and the opportunity to work as the first assistant coach, and described the past months as intense, challenging and special. He named the participation in the Champions League, for the first time in eighteen years, as the highlight of his period.

He indicated that the interim head coach role was not an easy task, but that he felt a great responsibility towards the club, players and supporters. The 3‑2 victory over Liverpool, which he regarded as a beautiful moment, marked his last match as interim coach.

Kuijt expressed his respect for Emre Belözoğlu and wished him much success, emphasizing that every coach needs freedom to assemble his own staff. He thanked the players, technical staff and supporters and said that his departure is not a final farewell, but a ‘tot ziens’.