Dirk Kuyt Evaluates His Future: "I Want to Stay"

Fenerbahçe hosted English giant Liverpool at home in Week 4 of the UEFA Champions League. Despite falling behind twice, the yellow-navy team refused to give up and won the match 3-2. After the game, Fenerbahçe head coach Dirk Kuyt spoke to the media.

Kuyt said Fenerbahçe meant a great deal to him. He added that Liverpool also meant a great deal to him, and that he had learned there never to give up. Stressing that he believes in his players, Kuyt said they wanted to revive belief and passion in the team.

Recalling the match years ago in Istanbul when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down, Kuyt said he told his players, “Nobody believes it, but I believe, let’s create a miracle.” He argued that the win was not down to luck but was a deserved result. He also said the atmosphere created by the fans had made a big contribution to the match.

On his future, Kuyt said the club had announced Emre’s situation and that he had met with him that morning. He said he wanted to stay at Fenerbahçe for as long as the club president wanted him there. Kuyt said they had not yet discussed these matters with the president, and added, “Above all, Fenerbahçe is more important than me,” stressing that the best decision for the club must be made.

Kuyt said young player Archie had been given a chance to show himself in the Champions League and that he was pleased with his performance. He said the focus had now shifted to the league match, noting that Sunday's game is very important, and said the team would come to Samandıra with a positive mood.