Dirk Kuyt 'over the moon' as ex-Liverpool and Netherlands star appointed head coach of Belgian second-tier side Beerschot

Kuyt, who commenced his coaching career with Dutch second-tier club ADO Den Haag last season, faced a setback when he was sacked in November 2022 after 16 games in charge, leaving the team positioned 17th in the Erste Divisie.

However, he has now got a second opportunity to prove his mettle as a manager after Beerschot got him onboard until the conclusion of the ongoing campaign.

After his appointment, Kuyt said in an official statement: "I am over the moon that I agreed terms with Beershot, a club with such a rich history in Belgian football. This is a perfect next step in my coaching career. I can't wait to start with a lot of energy. As a coach, I choose for attacking football with high intensity. I am eager for success. I was like that as a player and haven't changed my philosophy since I started as a coach."

The Belgian club, currently occupying the 2nd position in the second tier, found themselves in need of a new head coach after manager Andreas Wieland departed the club. They are determined to return to the Belgian Pro League after being relegated in 2021 and believe Kuyt can be the man to deliver the results.

"Right from our initial conversation, we had a strong connection with Dirk. We were searching for a young and modern manager, someone with a burning desire for success. We are confident that Dirk Kuyt is the right person for the job and will stop at nothing to achieve success here at Beerschot," said the club’s sporting director, Gyorgy Csepregi.

Kuyt played a crucial role under manager Rafa Benitez, contributing to Liverpool's success, including reaching the 2007 Champions League final.

Kuyt's first assignment as Beerschot manager will be against ninth-placed RSCA Futures after the winter break on January 12.