Kuyt, Clarke get behind Dalglish

Dirk Kuyt has thrown his support behind new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, while ex-Chelsea coach Steve Clark has joined as an assistant.

Dalglish, 59, has taken over at the English Premier League club until the end of the season following the sacking of Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool went down 1-0 away to Manchester United in Dalglish’s first match in charge on Sunday, but Dutch international Kuyt believes the Scotsman’s reappointment after a 20-year absence will prove to be a masterstroke.

“Kenny Dalglish is a legend and a very important man for this club,” Kuyt told Liverpool’s official website.

“I think it says everything about him as a man that he is here to help us and put us back where we belong.”

“It is very sad that Roy (Hodgson) has gone because you can never just blame one man. We must all take the blame and perform better.”

“It’s disappointing to lose a manager like that but a very big plus that we can bring in someone like Kenny. He is a very experienced man and someone who can have a positive impact on the squad.”

“The most important thing is to make Liverpool a winning team again.”

Liverpool have also announced the appointment of former Chelsea and West Ham first-team coach Steve Clarke as an assistant to Dalglish.

Clarke, 47, was credited with playing a significant role in the Chelsea set-up that collected two Premier League title under Jose Mourinho.

“Steve is a great addition to our team and I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring him in,” Dalglish said.

“I am looking forward to working with Steve alongside (assistant manager) Sammy Lee and our other staff.”