Mourinho left Fenerbahce at the end of August after more than a year in charge. The decision came shortly after the Turkish club was eliminated by Benfica in the Champions League play-off round with an aggregate score of 0-1.
This result relegated Fenerbahce to the Europa League and extended their absence from the Champions League group stage to 17 years. For Mourinho, it marked his sixth consecutive season without Champions League group stage football.
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Coach Jose Mourinho (left) and President Ali Koc during the Fenerbahce presentation ceremony in June 2024. Photo: Sky Spor TR |
Coach Jose Mourinho (left) and President Ali Koc during the Fenerbahce presentation ceremony in June 2024. Photo: Sky Spor TR
According to Koc, the reason for Mourinho's departure was not solely the defeat to Benfica. Rather, the defensive style of play and lack of creativity within the team were the main factors.
"Why did we part ways with Mourinho? It was a regrettable separation," he told Hurriyet. "We had a good relationship, and bringing him here was an achievement. But what was unacceptable was how the team was eliminated. It gave me the feeling that last season would repeat itself."
Koc asserted that Fenerbahce needed a dominant attacking style to meet expectations. "In Europe, that style of play might be effective. But in Turkey, we have to crush our opponents in most matches. The team can't keep struggling every time they fall behind," he emphasized.
In 62 matches managing Fenerbahce, Mourinho won 37, drew 14, and lost 11, without winning any titles. In the 2024-2025 season, Fenerbahce finished second in the Super Lig, losing both matches against rivals Galatasaray, and failing to win against any team in the top 5.
According to Spor Arena, the conflict between Mourinho and the management escalated from the previous season. The 61-year-old coach was accused of favoring foreign players and underutilizing domestic players like Ismail Yuksek and Irfan Can Kahveci. Additionally, he didn't help Fenerbahce generate significant player sales as before.
Fenerbahce had to pay Mourinho 17 million USD in compensation for terminating his contract a year early. This brought the total amount "The Special One" has received after dismissals to 125 million USD, a record among football managers.
After Mourinho's dismissal, Fenerbahce appointed Zeki Murat Gole as interim manager. They are currently fifth in the Turkish Super Lig with 7 points after three matches, 5 points behind leaders Galatasaray.
Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)
