Jose Mourinho has defended his shaky start to life as Fenerbache manager by detailing his impact with other clubs as manager.
The Portuguese has struggled with a not-so-stellar start in Fenerbache’s dugout as new manager.
He has played 11 matches, managing seven wins, two draws, and two defeats. It is not overly a poor start for the former Chelsea boss. He boasts a win rate of 63.64%, with a +14 goal difference after leading the team to score 27 goals and conceding 13.
However, the team has fallen off the pecking order in the Super Lig. The Portuguese’s last match ended in a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to arch-domestic rivals Galatasaray.
He went into the game two points adrift of the defending champions and needed nothing less than a win to continue the club’s push for the title.
Now, following the loss, the team have slipped five points behind Galatasaray, deepening concerns they may have fallen off the Super Lig title race.
Also, another disappointing moment for Mourinho was in UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against Lille. Fenerbache lost the double-legged tie 3-2 on aggregate. The defeat saw the team drop out of the elite club competition and settle for a place in the Europa League.
When asked whether the team have lost bearing in the title race following the screeching start to the campaign, Mourinho responded by elucidating on his impact on former clubs. He described the brilliant track record as the ‘Mourinho Effect.’
He also aimed a subtle dig at critics by stating he doesn’t win trophies in September in his usual boisterous tone.
“What is called the Mourinho effect? Trophies. Cups. You cannot win trophies in September. There are no trophies to win in September. How can you see the effect?
“In every club that I have been, I won cups. Only Tottenham. I left the club two days before a Cup final. But in every club, the effect was titles. In cannot win titles in September. I’m sorry.”
Jose Mourinho’s performance with Fenerbache and Super Lig chances
Mourinho played his first league match as Fenerbache manager against Adana Demirspor on August 10, 2024. He led the team to a narrow 1-0 victory before settling for a 2-2 draw with Goztepe in the next match.
Also, he won the next three fixtures with clean sheets against Rizespor, Alanyaspor, and Kasimpasa, respectively before the 3-1 home defeat to Galatasaray.
The team sits second in the Super Lig table with 13 points, five points behind Galatasaray at the top.
Mourinho fined for missing post-match press conference
The loss to Galatasaray was not the only misfortune that befell the Portuguese. Turkish football authorities slammed the veteran manager with a fine for allegedly refusing to attend Galatasaray’s post-match press conference after the defeat.
Reports claimed he feared being questioned; hence the decision to ignore the press conference. However, defending himself, Mourinho said he was disrespected as he waited for over an hour without the press conference being held.
He also debunked reports he missed the interview because he feared questionss.
“I waited 70 minutes… it is a lack of respect,” he said. “I have never feared any question.”
Fenerbache will return to Super Lig action on Sunday, September 29, 2024 against Antalyaspor. The Portuguese will be hoping to break even from the piling pressure by returning the team to winning ways and relaunching themselves into the Super Lig title race.
