Jose Mourinho has left his position as Fenerbahce manager a little more than 12 months after taking charge of the Turkish giants. The decision comes in the wake of the club’s Champions League qualifying defeat to Benfica, which ended their hopes of reaching the group stage.
In a statement, Fenerbahce said: “Our Professional Football First Team’s technical director, Jose Mourinho, who has been carrying out his duties starting from the 2024-2025 season, has parted ways with us. We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career.”
Reports in Turkey suggest Mourinho’s relationship with the board had become increasingly strained over their transfer policy. Before facing Benfica, he expressed frustration: “If the Champions League was vital to my club, something would have been done with the transfer window between Feyenoord and Benfica.”
Although a summer meeting with president Ali Koc raised the possibility of ending his tenure earlier, Mourinho stayed on, with Fenerbahce adding Nelson Semedo and Jhon Duran to their squad. However, after 62 matches in charge, the Portuguese coach has now departed.
His exit has already sparked speculation of a Premier League return. Back in October 2024, Mourinho hinted at such a move: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in UEFA competition. So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go.”
