Kuyt looks forward to Liverpool meeting without talk of divided loyalties

Dirk Kuyt has confirmed that he is looking forward to facing Liverpool in the Champions League, while rejecting the idea of a conflict of loyalties. The former Reds player wore their shirt between 2006 and 2012. Ahead of the match, he also stressed his commitment to Fenerbahçe, whom he has been managing on an interim basis since İsmail Kartal resigned last week.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Kuyt described the excitement he had felt since the draw: «Since the draw, I have felt enormous excitement. Everyone knows what Fenerbahçe and Liverpool mean to me, and I understood that we were going to play an exceptional match.» He added: «It will be an exceptional match for me, but I am not representing myself at the moment.»

The coach stressed that his priority is his team: «I am here for Fenerbahçe, and the most important thing is that we put in a good performance and play with great enthusiasm for our supporters.» Kuyt believes his squad has considerable quality, but is urging his players to approach the match with the same energy. He expects a memorable evening.

Fenerbahçe have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions, Shorouk Sports reports. In the Premier League, Liverpool are fifth with 15 points after nine matches. The Reds’ league record is four wins, three draws and two defeats, with 11 goals scored and nine conceded. Across their last five Premier League games, they have three wins and two losses.

Liverpool’s numbers vary by venue: at home, they have one win, two draws and two defeats in five matches, scoring four goals and conceding six. Away from home, they are unbeaten in four league games, with three wins and a draw, scoring seven and conceding three. Their Premier League average stands at 1.22 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per match.