Fenerbahçe interim coach Dirk Kuyt credited his players and coaching staff after their 3-2 Champions League win over Liverpool. In post-match remarks reported by A Spor and Yeniçağ, the Dutchman was asked what headline he would give the evening. His answer was “Miracle in Istanbul”.

Istanbul comeback inspired his team talk

Kuyt said he had reminded the players of Liverpool’s recovery from 3-0 down in the Champions League final in Istanbul. Despite low expectations of his side, he believed in them and wanted to restore their belief and passion. He also referred to the importance of never giving up, something he learned at Liverpool.

Good wishes for Emre Belözoğlu

He wished new coach Emre Belözoğlu success and welcomed the prospect of the players returning to training in a positive mood. Attention would now turn to the league, he said.

No decision announced on his future

Asked whether he would stay, Kuyt said those discussions had not yet taken place. He stressed his good relationship with the president and put the club’s interests first. He also acknowledged the difficulty of İsmail Kartal’s departure and the staff’s collective contribution.

Fenerbahçe twice came from behind on 4 November, scoring through Greenwood, Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi. Their first league-phase win took them to five points from four matches.