Jose Mourinho has stepped down from his position as head coach of Fenerbahce a little more than a year after his arrival. The decision was announced two days after the team’s exit from the Champions League play-off stage against Benfica.
In a short message, the Istanbul club confirmed that both parties had ended their cooperation and expressed gratitude to the Portuguese coach for his contribution. The note concluded with wishes for success in the continuation of his career.
Controversies during his tenure
Mourinho guided Fenerbahce to a second-place finish in the domestic league during his single season in charge, yet his time was marked by disputes. In February, rivals Galatasaray declared that they would pursue legal action against him, accusing the manager of making discriminatory comments following a goalless derby. The 62-year-old denied the charge, describing himself as the “opposite” of racist, and initiated a lawsuit against Galatasaray for compensation of 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (£41,000).
The former Chelsea and Manchester United coach was also outspoken about refereeing standards in Turkey. His remarks after the clash with Galatasaray led to a four-match suspension, later reduced to two games.
During a Europa League draw with Manchester United in October, he was dismissed from the touchline and remarked afterwards that he would prefer to manage a struggling side in England in order to avoid continental competitions once his stay in Turkey ended.
Career background
Before taking charge at Fenerbahce, Mourinho spent three seasons at Roma, winning the Conference League in 2022 – the club’s first continental honour. Earlier in his career, he enjoyed two stints at Chelsea, capturing three Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League trophy with both Porto and Inter Milan.
In 2017, he delivered Europa League glory to Manchester United, marking the club’s only triumph in that competition and their latest success on the European stage.
