Mourinho has voiced his frustration over the lack of recognition for his accomplishments, stressing his desire to “work in peace.” The Portuguese manager has guided Fenerbahce to second place in the Turkish Super Lig after their fifth consecutive victory—a 3-1 win over Gaziantep on Monday.
Following the victory, Mourinho criticized the media, saying, “But they [local media] still attack me. Give me some credit.”
Drawing comparisons to Van Bronckhorst’s situation, Mourinho emphasized the significance of stability in football management. The Dutch manager was dismissed from Besiktas after securing only one win in six games, a decision Mourinho considered unfair.
“Don’t try to do to me what happened to Giovanni van Bronckhorst [at Besiktas],” he said. “I don’t know any coach who can work miracles in just three, four, or five months. For me, he [Van Bronckhorst] was doing a great job.”
Mourinho also highlighted a wider issue within Turkish football, criticizing a culture that undermines stability. He stressed that clubs and players need consistent leadership to develop and fully embrace a coach’s philosophy.
“The recent results haven’t been the best, but this culture goes against stability,” he explained. “To grow, clubs and players need stability from their coaches and the coach’s philosophy. So give me a break, let me work in peace—but if it’s not peaceful, no problem, I still enjoy it.”
Mourinho’s next challenge is a crucial match against Besiktas on Saturday, a club currently dealing with the aftermath of Van Bronckhorst’s exit. Despite Fenerbahce’s recent form making them the favorites, Mourinho will approach the game carefully, mindful of the fierce local rivalries in Turkish football.
Fenerbahçe performance and stats
Fenerbahçe is currently 2nd in the Super Lig with 32 points.
In the last 13 games, it has won 10 times, drew twice, and lost once. In its last match, Fenerbahçe won 3-1 against Gaziantep F.K..
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 36 goals and conceding 12.
Fenerbahçe will play the next match in Super Lig against Beşiktaş on Saturday 7th of December in İstanbul.
