Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce managed by former player Kuyt

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 05:17 · Archive

Liverpool play Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday, managed on an interim basis by ex-Reds forward Dirk Kuyt.

Liverpool travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Reds have won all three Champions League games this season and can take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout phase with victory. A win would also hand Liverpool their first-ever victory on Turkish soil in the Champions League.

Fenerbahce is managed on an interim basis by Dirk Kuyt, who played for Liverpool for six years between 2006 and 2012, winning the League Cup and reaching the Champions League final. Kuyt was appointed following the resignation of Ismail Kartal last week. At a press conference, Kuyt acknowledged the fixture's significance but said his loyalties now lie with Fenerbahce.

"As soon as the draw was done, I was really excited because everyone knows how much Fenerbahce and Liverpool mean to me," Kuyt said. However, he added: "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 struggled in recent form, winning just one of their last five games in all competitions. They suffered a 6-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Champions League last month. Liverpool's visit presents another demanding test.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said his team must improve their attacking play ahead of the match. Liverpool drew a blank against Arsenal on Sunday, failing to register a shot on target in a 1-0 defeat. Iraola said there is room for improvement, particularly in how his team attacks the box. Despite this, he noted that Liverpool have scored more goals in three Champions League games this season (12) than in nine Premier League fixtures (11).

How it is being reported

• How to watch Fenerbahce vs Liverpool: TV channel and live stream for Champions League todayIt promises to be an emotional evening for the former Liverpool forwardEvening Standard · 4 Nov, 06:00
• 'Liverpool manager is a d*******' post led to my exit - I was pushed out to Fenerbahce'A former Liverpool star captured attention through comments made on social media shortly before joining FenerbahceMirror Sport · 4 Nov, 06:00
• Liverpool news: Trent Alexander-Arnold gets new green light as star's transfer 'expected'Liverpool are back in action in Europe this week as they travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahce in the Champions LeagueMirror Sport · 4 Nov, 05:00
• Andoni Iraola calls on Liverpool to sharpen up in attack before Fenerbahce testReds target fourth straight Champions League win Turkish side led by ex-Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt Andoni Iraola has said Liverpool must improve their attacking play but dismissed concerns over the contrast between his team’s output in the Premier League and Champions League. Liverpool boast a 100% record in Europe this season and can take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout phase with victory away at Fenerbahce on Wednesday. Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt will take charge of his first European game with the Turkish club, having replaced Ismail Kartal on an…Guardian Football · 3 Nov, 18:42
• Dirk Kuyt makes loyalty vow ahead of managing Fenerbahce against former club LiverpoolDirk Kuyt will take charge of Fenerbahce for their Champions League game against Liverpool on WednesdayIndependent Sport · 3 Nov, 14:43

In this story: Liverpool · Fenerbahce · Dirk Kuyt · Andoni Iraola · Turkey

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