Jose Mourinho has sensationally admitted that joining Fenerbahce was a “mistake,” claiming the Turkish club wasn’t on his “level.” The 62-year-old has now returned to Benfica as head coach, aiming to lead the Portuguese giants back to the top after a brief stint in Turkey.
Jose Mourinho has made a bold admission that his time at Fenerbahce was a “mistake,” explaining that the Turkish club wasn’t on his “cultural or football level.” After parting ways with Fenerbahce last month, the Portuguese tactician has returned to manage Benfica, a club where he began his managerial career. Mourinho’s candid comments suggest his short-lived spell in Turkey was not the right fit, but he’s now eager to return to elite-level management in Liga Portugal.
Mourinho Reflects on Fenerbahce Experience
Mourinho, who had a challenging year at Fenerbahce, was dismissed after the club’s failure to progress in the Champions League qualifying rounds, particularly after a loss to Benfica. Reflecting on his time in Turkey, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager admitted that the decision to join Fenerbahce was a misstep. “It wasn’t my level,” Mourinho stated. “I gave everything, but coaching Benfica is returning to my level. My level is coaching the biggest clubs in the world.”
Despite the difficulties, Mourinho has no regrets about his career but acknowledges that it wasn’t the right move to join Fenerbahce. The 62-year-old explained that his experience at the Turkish club didn’t match his expectations in terms of football and cultural alignment, which led to a natural decision to part ways.
Mourinho Criticizes Fenerbahce’s Transfer Strategy
Beyond his personal reflections, Mourinho also took aim at Fenerbahce’s transfer policy, suggesting that it hindered his ability to build a competitive team. The veteran coach claimed that the club’s signings during his tenure made it difficult to implement his tactical approach. “At my previous club, things were easy. I wanted to play with four players, but the club signed five players the day after I left. It was impossible to play with four defenders when the team had seven central defenders and only one winger,” Mourinho explained.
This criticism will likely draw the ire of Fenerbahce’s board, but Mourinho remained adamant that Benfica’s transfer strategy was far more aligned with his vision for a top-level squad. “Benfica did a great job in the transfer market,” Mourinho added, acknowledging the club’s efforts to strengthen the team.
Mourinho’s Emotional Return to Benfica
Mourinho’s return to Benfica marks the end of his brief and turbulent spell in Turkey. He takes charge of a club that helped him launch his managerial career back in 2000. With his first match as the new Benfica manager looming, Mourinho is determined to restore the club’s former glory.
Benfica currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, and Mourinho will be looking to take charge and move them up the table. His first test will come this Saturday when Benfica faces AVS in the league, as Mourinho looks to reassert himself as one of the world’s top managers.
What’s Next for Mourinho and Benfica?
Now at the helm of Benfica, Mourinho has the chance to prove that he is still one of the world’s elite managers. His return to Portuguese football brings renewed expectations, and the 62-year-old will be hoping that his experience and leadership can guide Benfica back to the top of Liga Portugal.
As Mourinho prepares for his emotional homecoming at Benfica, many will be watching to see how he handles the challenge of returning to a club where his journey in management began.
