Fenerbahce President Ali Koc Explains Jose Mourinho Dismissal After Champions League Exit

Fenerbahce president Ali Koç revealed that Jose Mourinho was dismissed primarily due to dissatisfaction with the team's playing style rather than just their Champions League playoff loss to Benfica. Koç emphasized that while Mourinho's defensive tactics might work in Europe, Fenerbahce's identity and ambitions require a more dominant, attacking style of football, aiming for 99 goals and 99 points in a season. Mourinho's tenure included 62 matches with 37 wins but no trophies, and the club underperformed domestically, failing to beat top rivals and drawing criticism for sidelining local talents. Despite good chemistry and respect for Mourinho's achievements, the club decided a change was necessary to realize the squad's potential and align with the club's ambitions. The decision also signals possible shifts in transfer policies and coaching strategies, with hints that former coach Ismail Kartal might be considered for the position. Mourinho has since been linked to other clubs, including Nottingham Forest and West Ham.