JOSE MOURINHO’S dismissal from Fenerbahce has finally been explained by club president Ali Koc.
Mourinho, 62, was sacked two weeks ago following Fener’s failure to qualify for the Champions League by falling short against Benfica in the play-offs of the qualifying phase.
Koc, 58, revealed that the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss’ lack of attacking tactics was what ultimately led him to the “risky” decision to part ways.
The Fenerbahce supremo admitted the way the team played “bothered” him after having a conversation with the Portuguese tactician about making the team more attack-minded this season.
Koc said via Record: “Attacking football wasn’t present last season. We discussed these issues, and I thought we were in agreement.
“When this season started, the performance we saw in the first five official games mirrored last season’s.
“Anyone could be eliminated by Benfica, but the way we played bothered me. That’s why it was such a risky and difficult decision.
“Since we couldn’t see much light at the end of the tunnel regarding the championship, we had to make this difficult decision.
“There were no complaints about his work ethic. He was a workaholic. There are no hard feelings on my part.”
Koc described his parting with Mourinho as “bitter” as he claims they developed a close friendship ever since his arrival to Istanbul on June 2024.
However, the Turkish businessman is adamant Fenerbahce need to return to a less defensive system.
Koc added, as per Hurriyet: “Why did we let go of Mourinho? I’m explaining it here for the first time.
“It was a bitter parting. Our chemistry was perfect, and his accomplishments are evident. Just being able to bring him here was a great achievement.
“Above all, it was difficult to part with someone I was friends with. We knew our coach was a defensive player when we brought him in.
“But we talked about the need to play more dominantly at the end of the season. Earning 99 goals and 99 points is our genetic code.”
Mourinho’s style of play has attracted criticism in the last few years, even while he coached Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham in the Premier League.
The Special One’s formation has been dubbed dull and outdated due to its emphasis on defence.
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