Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho launched a blistering tirade against the Turkish Super Lig following his team’s dramatic 3-2 win over Trabzonspor on Sunday, November 3rd.
Mourinho attempted a knee slide on the field, only to end up falling on the grass following the dramatic victory.
However, it was VAR official Atilla Karaoglan’s decisions that angered Mourinho the most, as Trabzonspor received two penalties while his team’s claims for a spot kick were ignored.
Despite celebrating Sofyan Amrabat’s late winner, the former Roma manager’s post-match press conference was marked by scathing criticism.
Mourinho said Turkish Super Lig Smells
The former Chelsea manager, in his post match conference says the League lacks enthusiasm and “smells bad”.
In his debut season at Fenerbahce, Mourinho criticized the Turkish league, stating that it has a questionable reputation and insinuated that officials show bias against his team.
He questioned why international fans would bother watching such a league.
Mourinho questioned the league’s global appeal, stating, “Nobody abroad wants to watch the Turkish league. Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad?”
“They have the Premier League, the French league, the German league, the Portuguese league, the Dutch league. Why should they see this?” He described the league as “too grey, too dark, [and] smells bad.”
Jose Mourinho Slams Turkish Super Lig Officials
The Portuguese manager also targeted match officials, specifically VAR Atilla Karaoglan, for alleged bias.
The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager expressed his dissatisfaction when the visitors’ appeal for a handball inside the box in the 82nd minute was not awarded a penalty.
Mourinho claimed Karaoglan was “asleep” during the first half and only awakened to award Trabzonspor penalties.
He fumed, “We were in good control, winning 1-0, when Atilla woke up… probably from drinking Turkish tea.”
Mourinho’s rant extended to social media, where he posted footage of an alleged handball by Trabzonspor’s Simon Banza, garnering over 650,000 likes.
He wrote, “Watch and smile… the funny situations don’t stop with this clip.”
Mourinho’s outburst has sparked controversy, highlighting concerns about the Turkish Super Lig’s reputation and officiating standards.
In a separate television interview, Mourinho blasted the Fenerbahce hierarchy for not disclosing the “whole truth” about the league before his arrival.
He added: “I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here… they told me only half of the truth.”
After being dismissed by Italian club Roma last season, the 61-year-old Mourinho has taken on his first coaching role outside of Europe’s top leagues.
His illustrious career boasts two Champions League trophies and league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain.
What’s next for Jose Mourinho?
Mourinho will showcase his leadership skills once again as he guides his team in an exciting Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, November 7 at AFAS stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 21:00.
Jose Mourinho is widely recognized for his straightforward approach as a coach, never shying away from speaking his mind on matters related to football.
However, what is your take on his recent comments regarding the Turkish Super Lig? We’re curious to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
