Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has revealed the real reason behind Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, stating the Portuguese coach’s playing style was deemed “unacceptable.”
Mourinho, 62, was relieved of his duties last week after just over one year in charge of the Istanbul club. The decision came two days after Fenerbahce’s Champions League play-off defeat to Benfica.
Although Mourinho guided Fenerbahce to a second-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season, his tenure was marked by repeated criticism of Turkish refereeing standards and dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer policies.
In an interview with Turkish outlet Hurriyet, Koc explained the rationale behind the decision. “Why did we let go of Mourinho? It was a bitter parting. Our chemistry was great and just bringing him here was a big success. But we needed to play more dominant football, scoring 99 goals and earning 99 points is in our DNA. Getting knocked out by Benfica wasnât the issue. But how we went out was unacceptable. It felt like the same dull football from last year would continue. This kind of football may work in Europe, but in Turkey we need to dominate. We believed this squad could play better without him.”
The president’s remarks suggest that Mourinhoâs pragmatic approach, often criticised as overly defensive, was not aligned with the clubâs expectations of attacking, high-intensity football.
Mourinho, who has previously managed Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham in the Premier League, is now being linked with a return to English football. Nottingham Forest have been identified as a potential destination if they part ways with Nuno EspĂrito Santo. West Ham United have also been mentioned as a possible suitor following a challenging start under Graham Potter.
Former Germany midfielder Didi Hamann weighed in on Mourinhoâs prospects. Speaking to Adventure Gamers, he said: “He hasnât managed in the Premier League for a while now. Heâs had a few stops and things havenât really worked out as he expected. But for one or two seasons, I can still see him performing magic. Is he as successful as he was 10 years ago? No, but for a year or two? Yes, Iâd like to see it. I still think he has one or two good years left in him. I wouldnât rule out him being successful.”
Reports have also linked Mourinho to Scottish club Rangers, although Hamann expressed skepticism, stating, “I canât really see Mourinho in Scotland. But then again, he has surprised us before, and he might surprise us again.”
Mourinhoâs next move remains uncertain, but speculation over his future continues to dominate football discussions across Europe.
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