The real reason why coach Mourinho was suddenly fired

(Dan Tri) - Fenerbahce President Ali Koc recently spoke up to explain the reason why the team's board of directors decided to terminate the contract with coach Jose Mourinho right at the start of the new season.

Coach Jose Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce immediately after the defeat to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round. This was a surprising decision by the Turkish club at the start of the new season.

Coach Mourinho was fired for only knowing how to play passive defense (Photo: Getty).

Speaking to Hurriyet, Fenerbahce president Ali Koc revealed the truth behind the Portuguese coach's dismissal. He said: "We had a great understanding with Mourinho. Bringing him to Turkey was a success. However, we need a more proactive and creative attacking style. Fenerbahce is a club with the DNA of scoring and dominating, not passive defense."

According to Koc, the problem was not the elimination by Benfica, but the way Fenerbahce lost: “We are worried that this season will continue in the same old way. In Europe, defensive football can be effective, but in Turkey we have to win convincingly, have to dominate most of the game. In fact, the team often has difficulties when they are behind.”

In 62 games in charge of Fenerbahce, Mourinho won 37, drew 14 and lost 11, but did not win any titles, a contrast to his previous illustrious careers at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and AS Roma.

Coach Mourinho received 120 million euros in contract compensation during his career (Photo: Getty).

In addition to the professional factor, Spor Arena newspaper revealed that the relationship between Mourinho and the Fenerbahce leadership has gradually cracked after an unconvincing season. The Portuguese coach is said to lack confidence in domestic players, often leaving Ismail Yuksek or Irfan Can Kahveci on the bench.

Last season, Fenerbahce finished second in the Turkish league, failing to beat any of the top five teams, and losing derbies to Galatasaray and Besiktas. In the transfer market, the club was also unable to sell players for as much as in previous years, while the new players that Mourinho asked for all performed disappointingly.

“Saying goodbye to Mourinho is a regrettable decision, but we believe the team needs a new direction to return to its rightful place,” President Ali Koc affirmed.

However, coach Mourinho was compensated 15 million euros after being fired by Fenerbahce, bringing the total compensation he received in his career to 120 million euros. That is the coach who received the most contract compensation in football history.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/ly-do-thuc-su-khien-hlv-mourinho-bong-dung-bi-sa-thai-20250908114515810.htm