Expert Analysis
José Mourinho has unexpectedly been relieved of his duties as head coach of Fenerbahçe just two games into the Süper Lig season. This decision came shortly after the Turkish club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, bowing out to Benfica. Fenerbahçe confirmed the news in a brief statement on Friday morning, announcing: “Our Professional Football First Team’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, who began his tenure in the 2024-2025 season, has parted ways with us. We thank him for his efforts and wish him success in the future.”
Mourinho appeared to be caught off guard by the decision, as he had expressed optimism about Fenerbahçe’s prospects in the Europa League following their Champions League exit. There was also an unusual incident where Mourinho claimed he was unfamiliar with Fenerbahçe’s vice-president, Hamdi Akin, despite the latter defending him last season amid allegations of racism. This remark is believed to have contributed to the decision to part ways. Our Transfermarkt team in Türkiye provides expert insights into what went wrong and what the future may hold for Mourinho.
Reasons Behind José Mourinho’s Dismissal
Istanbul is renowned for its passionate football culture, with the intense rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray taking center stage. Mourinho was officially introduced in a high-profile ceremony at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, and his debut season was nothing short of eventful. From receiving a booking within 20 minutes of his first match to being sent off against his former club Manchester United, he made headlines for both his conduct and his strategies, including bringing in a foreign referee for the Intercontinental Derby.
While Mourinho generated substantial media coverage, Galatasaray outshone Fenerbahçe on the pitch, securing their third consecutive title and finishing nine points clear of their rivals—additionally, they claimed the Turkish Cup. With Fenerbahçe’s last title win occurring over a decade ago, pressure mounted on Mourinho to deliver results this season. An opening match draw against Goztepe and a subsequent defeat to Benfica were the final nails in the coffin for his tenure.
Reflecting on Fener’s decision, Lara Karacan, Transfermarkt’s Super Lig expert, stated: “After failing to win the championship last season, Mourinho was already under significant pressure at Fenerbahçe. The dropped points in their first match and failure to qualify for the Champions League have led to the official sporting reasons cited for his dismissal. However, I suspect there were also political factors at play. Mourinho’s criticisms during the transfer window, particularly regarding the board and the squad’s quality, intensified the internal discord that ultimately resulted in his exit.”
What Lies Ahead for José Mourinho?
José Mourinho is undeniably one of the most storied managers in football history, with many regarding him as one of the greatest. Known as the ‘Special One,’ his captivating charisma, confidence, and humor have always kept him firmly in the spotlight. His unprecedented achievement of securing back-to-back European titles with Porto is a feat likely unmatched in today’s financially driven football landscape.
Following his success at Porto, Mourinho made waves at Chelsea, securing the club’s first title in 50 years and transforming English football. While he is closely associated with the Blues, he has led several major clubs, including Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Notably, he is among just five managers to have won the Champions League with two different clubs, in addition to amassing eight league titles. However, at 62 years old, Mourinho has not celebrated a league title in a decade. What does the next chapter hold for this legendary figure?
