Fenerbahce’s 2-1 victory over Hatayspor on Sunday sparked a heated response from their head coach, Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager strongly criticized the referees and the broader environment of the Turkish Super Lig, describing it as “toxic.”
Criticism mounts as fans question Jose Mourinho’s performance
Fenerbahce’s narrow victory did little to appease their supporters, who voiced their dissatisfaction with chants of “Management resign” during the game.
Critics, including former players and analysts, noted that Fenerbahce’s style of play under Mourinho has fallen short of expectations.
Ilker Yagcioglu, a commentator, remarked, “If his name weren’t Mourinho, he would have been asked to resign 50 times by now. The fans expect better football and more convincing performances.”
Mourinho demands honesty from Turkish media after Fenerbahce vs Hatayspor match
Speaking after the game, Mourinho urged the Turkish media to address what he perceives as unfair treatment in the league. He asked reporters, “Why are you hiding the truth? What are people afraid of in this country? Is the point difference (in the standings) due to the football played? Speak the truth. Don’t ask me!”
Jose Mourinho claimed that refereeing decisions in recent matches have unfairly impacted Fenerbahce. “If the opponent’s colors were different, they could have been down to 8 players. There should have been 5 red cards in the Eyup and Hatayspor matches combined. This is the situation. Our players know it, our opponents know it, and we must continue on our way,” he said.
Fenerbahce dominates game but misses crucial chances
Fenerbahce’s performance on the pitch overwhelmed Hatayspor, but Mourinho expressed frustration over the final scoreline. “We played well. We dominated the match and created clear opportunities. This game could have ended 6-7-8 (goals in our favor),” he said.
Despite his satisfaction with his team’s effort, he criticized the missed chances and defensive mistakes that allowed Hatayspor to remain competitive.
Mourinho praised his players’ commitment, saying, “My players gave their all. We worked hard for nine days and achieved a clear victory. But we lost the ball in crucial moments, and their goalkeeper was exceptional.”
Mourinho calls out officiating and challenges in ‘toxic’ Super Lig
Mourinho’s comments extended beyond the Hatayspor match, targeting officiating across the league. “This is the most toxic league I’ve ever worked in,” he stated. “I’ve been in football for 35 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. Some decisions are beyond comprehension.”
The coach reflected on the challenges of competing in such an environment. “It’s not just the club that faces these issues; it’s the players who suffer the most. Yet, we must keep working hard. This league isn’t widely followed outside of Türkiye, but we will continue to focus on our performance,” he said.
Coach Mourinho emphasizes importance of closing gap with Galatasaray
Jose Mourinho acknowledged the growing pressure to reduce the point gap with league leaders Galatasaray. He emphasized the need for Fenerbahce to win upcoming matches, stating, “For us to close the gap, we need to keep winning. The question is how our rivals will drop points. That’s what matters most.”
The narrow victory against Hatayspor marked Fenerbahce’s 8th consecutive win against this opponent in the league. However, it also highlighted ongoing concerns about the team’s form and the broader challenges Mourinho faces in Turkish football.
