Jose Mourinho has been dismissed as head coach of Fenerbahce, becoming the second high-profile manager to lose his job in Turkey in as many days. The Portuguese tactician was shown the door after his side failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, following a narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the playoffs.
The dismissal comes just six games into the new season. Mourinho had overseen a mixed start to Fenerbahce’s league campaign, recording one win and one loss, but it was the European disappointment that ultimately cost him his job. His tenure, which began in June 2024, has been marked by controversies, disagreements with club management, and heated touchline incidents.
Mourinho was already under pressure despite surviving an earlier scare when his team overturned a first-leg defeat to eliminate Feyenoord in the third qualifying round. However, falling at the final hurdle against his former club Benfica proved too much for Fenerbahce’s hierarchy, who acted swiftly to terminate his contract.
The 61-year-old’s relationship with the club’s leadership had grown increasingly strained in recent months. He had expressed frustration over what he considered inadequate transfer backing, publicly voicing his dissatisfaction. This discontent, coupled with a string of off-field controversies, made his position increasingly untenable.
Since his arrival in Turkey, Mourinho has attracted attention not just for his coaching but for his antics. Earlier in the year, he found himself in hot water after making controversial remarks about Galatasaray’s players, which led to accusations of racism. The situation escalated further in April when he pinched the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk during a heated cup clash, sparking a mass brawl on the touchline.
Such incidents divided opinion among Fenerbahce fans. While some admired his passion and experience, others felt his behavior was becoming a distraction from the team’s objectives. With the failure to reach the Champions League compounding matters, the decision to part ways appeared inevitable.
Mourinho leaves Turkey with his reputation once again under the spotlight. Known as the “Special One,” he has enjoyed glittering spells at clubs such as Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, but in recent years, short-lived stints and controversies have overshadowed his tactical legacy.
For Fenerbahce, attention now turns to finding a replacement who can stabilize the team, restore harmony, and deliver success both domestically and in Europe.
