The president of Fenerbahçe, Ali Koc, finally explained the dismissal of José Mourinho, calling him “bitter separation”, while admitting that his style of play was no longer acceptable. Mourinho, dismissed after only a year at the head of the team, paid the high price for his defensive tactic, Koc insisting on the need for a more dominant offensive approach.
Mourinho dismissed after the elimination of Fenerbahçe in the Champions League
Koc declares that the defensive style was “unacceptable”
Mourinho was dismissed by Fenerbahçe on August 29 after a little over a year at the head of the team. This decision followed a defeat in play-offs from the Champions League against Benfica, which qualified for a tight cumulative score of 1-0. Despite the results of 37 victories of Mourinho in 62 games, the management estimated that his conservative game brake the team, and Koc has now confirmed the exact reason for the dismissal of the Portuguese coach.
Addressing the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, the president of Fenerbahçe, Koc, said: ” Why did we let Mourinho leave? I explain it here for the first time. It was a bitter separation. Our alchemy was perfect and its performance is obvious. The simple fact of being able to integrate it here was a great success. »»
“It was especially difficult to separate from a friend. We knew that our coach was a defensive player when we recruited him. But we discussed the need to play more dominant at the end of the season. Mark 99 goals and 99 points is our genetic code. »»
“Being eliminated by Benfica was not a problem, but the way we were eliminated was unacceptable. It gave me the feeling that the football of last year was going to last. »»
“We separated because we thought this team would play better football at this point. This type of football works in Europe, but in Türkiye, we have to crush them in most matches. »We find it difficult to take the advantage after being led in every game.
Mourinho's departure marks a new setback in his brilliant coach career. Portuguese had great successes with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but has experienced difficult periods with Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma before leaving for Türkiye. It remains to be seen where Mourinho will then go after his failure to win the slightest trophy in Fenerbahçe.
