Kuijt says Fenerbahçe results come before sentiment ahead of Liverpool match

Dirk Kuijt says Fenerbahçe’s need for results outweighs the personal significance of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Liverpool as he prepares for his first game in charge during the club’s poor run of form.

“Everyone knows how much Fenerbahçe and Liverpool mean to me,” the former Netherlands international said on Tuesday. “At this stage, I’m not here for myself. I’m here for the club. That’s what matters. Our fans deserve much more than this.”

Fenerbahçe have won once in their past five matches in all competitions. They are sixth in the Turkish league after 10 rounds and have two points from their first three matches in the Champions League group stage.

Kuijt was appointed last Wednesday to replace İsmail Kartal, who resigned. Kuijt had been Kartal’s assistant. He has previously said he was looking forward to the chance to face Liverpool, but told reporters the club’s situation had to come first.

Kuijt took over on an interim basis after Kartal resigned following a defeat to Galatasaray.