Jose Mourinho has been slammed by Galatasaray’s captain amid swirling rumours he’s in line for a return to the Premier League. The ‘Special One’ saw his last English exploit with Tottenham end abruptly prior to the 2021 EFL Cup final, following on from a turbulent time at Manchester United and after celebrating three titles with Chelsea across two tenures.
A premature exit from Roma earlier this year, even after clinching the Conference League trophy in 2022, has landed the Portuguese steering Fenerbahce, who trail five points behind Super Lig rivals Galatasaray – who have taken offence to Mourinho’s frank criticism towards the league and refereeing decisions.
Being told to “leave” the country by his rival’s captain, Mourinho has been linked with moves to both Newcastle United and Everton in recent weeks, and, if said warning is heeded, we could see a comeback sooner rather than later.
“The insults towards Turkish football and the fact that he [Mourinho] is attacking some referees are things that bother me,” Galatasaray captain Fernando Muslera told Turkiye Today. “This is the first time in 14 years that I feel obliged to make such a speech. I won 17 trophies in 14 years. If we consider my contribution, my constant aim is to advance Turkish football.
“If Mourinho, who came here 4 months ago, criticises Turkish football and doesn’t like it, he can leave. Although nobody says anything, I think now someone can say something to him. We need to pay a little more attention to those who move Turkish football forward.”
Given recent comments, it seems Mourinho would perhaps oblige. Following a Europa League fixture that saw his Fenerbahce side draw 1-1 with his old club United, Mourinho suggested a pivot back to the English game could one day be on the cards, reports the Mirror.
“The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fener is that I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition. So, a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go,” Mourinho declared.
According to The Guardian, the Portuguese manager has been tactfully reaching out, putting feelers through intermediaries to stay abreast of the happenings at St. James’s Park. He is also keeping an eye on the Newcastle managerial role should Eddie Howe make his exit.
There have also been whispers of interest from the Everton, who have recently been taken over and have a new stadium on the horizon. However, a jaunt to Merseyside appears less likely for the 61-year-old, with no concrete links reported.
