Fenerbahce interim coach Dirk Kuyt acknowledged Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with former club Liverpool would be a “very special occasion” but insisted he is fully focused on the job at hand with his current employers.
The Dutchman was placed in interim charge of the Turkish Super Lig side after Ismail Kartal resigned last week.
Kuyt, who played for the Reds between 2006 and 2012, said this fixture was one he had been looking forward to for a while but he had no divided loyalties.
“As soon as the draw was done, I was really excited because everyone knows how much Fenerbahce and Liverpool mean to me and, from that moment, you know it will be a special occasion,” he told a news conference.
“Of course, tomorrow will be a very special occasion for me but at the stage we’re in, I’m not here for myself.
“I’m here for the club and that’s what is important — to show the fans who deserve much more, a reaction, positive energy and a good performance.”
Fenerbahce have only won one of their last five games in all competitions.
They were hammered 6-0 by Aston Villa in the Champions League last month and Liverpool’s visit presents another considerable test.
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“We have really good players but we need to show up and when we show up tomorrow with good energy and passion, I think it will be a special night,” added Kuyt.
“Liverpool is an amazing team but so is Fenerbahce and if we and the fans can show up tomorrow, then Europe will really see how big Fenerbahce is.”
PA contributed to this report.
