06.11.2026 16:30
Fenerbahçe's new head coach Emre Belözoğlu answered the eagerly awaited question about Dirk Kuyt's future at the signing ceremony. Emphasizing that all the credit for the Liverpool victory belonged to Kuyt and his team, Belözoğlu stated that his new coaching staff would consist of 12-13 people and said, "There is an evaluation process. Our club will make the necessary statement."
With Emre Belözoğlu taking office at Fenerbahçe, how the technical staff would be structured became a matter of curiosity. Whether Dirk Kuyt, who temporarily managed the team after İsmail Kartal's departure and was at the helm in the 3-2 win over Liverpool, would continue in his role came up at Belözoğlu's signing ceremony. While the new head coach did not announce a definitive decision about the Dutch coach's future, he shared details of the team to be formed.
WILL DIRK KUYT STAY AT FENERBAHÇE?
At the signing ceremony, Emre Belözoğlu was asked whether Dirk Kuyt would be part of the technical staff; he stated that evaluations were ongoing and that the club would make an announcement shortly.
Belözoğlu said, “There is an evaluation process. Our club will make the necessary announcement. We will announce it as soon as possible. Our club will announce my team.” With this statement, no definitive decision has yet been announced regarding Kuyt's future at Fenerbahçe.
“WE HAVE BUILT A STRONG TEAM OF 12-13 PEOPLE”
Belözoğlu, who also provided information about the structure of his new technical staff, explained that he would work with people experienced in different fields. Noting that his staff would include 6 coaches with pro licenses, the young coach said that a Spanish assistant coach would also support him.
Belözoğlu said, “It will be 12-13 people. There are 6 with pro licenses, truly well-equipped in their fields, who have been involved in elite-level coaching or work at over 100, and who have served both in national teams and at valuable clubs. We will have a Spanish supporter who has previously assisted great coaches.” Emphasizing that the new team consists of people who can bear Fenerbahçe's responsibility, Belözoğlu said, “We have built a strong team that is both powerful and aware of the community's responsibility, one that will protect Samandıra's privacy. I hope we will not be embarrassed.”
“IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT TO SAY I HAD A SHARE IN THE LIVERPOOL WIN”
At the signing ceremony, Emre Belözoğlu was also asked about his visit to Samandıra before the Liverpool match. Answering the question of whether his meeting with the players had an effect on the win, Belözoğlu emphasized that the success belonged to Dirk Kuyt and his staff.
Belözoğlu said, “It was a perfect win. Our community and our players needed it. I just went to meet them; for 15-20 minutes I shared my ideas about our community and our club.”
Drawing attention to the efforts of Kuyt and his staff, Belözoğlu continued:
“Coach Kuyt and his staff prepared our players. I would be afraid of being disrespectful to them. It would not be right to say that I had a share in a match won through their work. I was in the stands that day; I have a share like a fan, nothing more. What mattered was Fenerbahçe showing a reaction.”
“I KNOW WHAT KIND OF FOOTBALL FENERBAHÇE WANTS”
Touching on the football understanding he wants to reflect on the pitch in the new era, Belözoğlu recalled that he won championships and cups at Fenerbahçe and said he knows the community's expectations closely.
Belözoğlu said, “Passion and quality are clear criteria for Fenerbahçe; the combination of the two is Fenerbahçe. I will have players who reflect passion on the pitch. There is more than enough quality in the squad.”
Stating that they will work for the team to reach the desired style of play in a short time, Belözoğlu said, “I know what the football our community wants is, and I also know that I need to implement it as soon as possible. We will act quickly. Trend football comes with speed and quality. I know how the road to cups passes. I have full belief in implementing it.”