Turkey Trotting

November 4, 2026

Looking at tonight’s game in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe something passed me by and that was the fact that Dirk Kuyt is now their manager. I think every Liverpool fan who watched Dirk play will remember him with fondness. He never failed to acknowledge the fans at the end of a game no matter what the result. I hope those travelling once again to Istanbul get the opportunity to acknowledge Dirk. However, it’s another game for us and I assume we can expect a bit more rotation. One thing for certain, if Rio Ngumoha. Trey Nyomi and Lewis Koumas get on the pitch they’ll experience a different sort of atmosphere. Turkish fans don’t need an excuse to create a hostile environment; it’s part of their make-up. Fenerbahçe’s league form doesn’t sound like it’s been brilliant, that’s why they sacked their previous manager and brought in Dirk but in the European League domestic form means very little. It’s not a must win game for us but three points would almost seal a place in the knockouts and that would be the first hurdle completed. Win, lose or draw, Dirk will still give the fans a wave, I’m sure.