Dirk Kuyt has been handed temporary responsibility for Fenerbahce’s first team just days before facing his former club Liverpool in the Champions League.

The former Liverpool striker steps into the role following İsmail Kartal’s resignation after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Galatasaray on Monday.

Fenerbahce confirmed that Kuyt, who had been serving as an assistant coach, will oversee the team until a permanent head coach is appointed.

The Dutchman enjoyed a successful spell at Liverpool between 2006 and 2012, making 285 appearances and scoring 71 goals before joining Fenerbahce, where he won the Turkish league title in 2014.

His first major test comes against Liverpool on November 4 in Istanbul, setting up a reunion with the club where he became a fan favourite.

Fenerbahce will hope Kuyt can steady the team during the managerial transition, with the high-profile European encounter offering an immediate test of his leadership.