Fenerbahçe Beat Liverpool: Kuyt Hails 'Very Special' Win
Dirk Kuyt says Fenerbahçe's first win over Liverpool in 18 years carries personal meaning, praising team spirit, Vedat and Lukaku after a double comeback.
Fenerbahçe have beaten Liverpool for the first time in 18 years, and the Turkish club's technical chief Dirk Kuyt admitted the result means a great deal to him. The former Dutch international, who played for both sides during his career, pointed out that 18 was also the number on the back of his shirt, giving the victory an extra personal touch.
Twice behind, twice back Kuyt said his side knew exactly how strong Liverpool are, but he was pleased with their organisation and the aggressive high press they produced at the right moments. He was confident Fenerbahçe could respond after going 1-0 down, yet coming back from behind on two separate occasions was, in his words, truly remarkable. The Dutchman insisted the win was no fluke, noting that his team created plenty of chances, kept fighting and deserved the result against one of Europe's top teams.
The Istanbul message Kuyt revealed that before kick-off he reminded his players how Liverpool once overturned a 3-0 deficit to lift the trophy in Istanbul, urging them to believe they could pull off a miracle of their own. He said he was delighted for Vedat and singled out Lukaku, whose character on and off the pitch he described as vital for the squad.
Asked whether he would work alongside Emre Belözoğlu, Kuyt said the matter had not yet been discussed, adding that he enjoys a good relationship with the club president and is ready for any scenario. Fenerbahçe, he stressed, matter more than he does. He also wished Belözoğlu good luck.
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