Fenerbahce set to offload 7 players, including Saint-Maximin, Szymanski

Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly decided to part ways with seven players and has communicated this decision to the club’s management, according to Turkish daily Sozcu. Among the names listed is Sebastian Szymanski, a player previously praised by Mourinho.

As part of the squad planning for the upcoming season, Mourinho has finalized the list of players he wants to offload.

Per Irfan Yirmibes of Sozcu, the Portuguese coach submitted his report to the board, which has instructed the players in question to find new teams.

List of Fenerbahce players

The players reportedly included in Mourinho’s exit plan are: Cengiz Under, Bartug Elmaz, Lincoln Henrique, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Samet Akaydin, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Sebastian Szymanski.

In a recent television appearance, Ilicali shared that Mourinho was a big fan of Szymanski, saying, “Our coach loves Szymanski. He’s faced him four times and said, ‘Ah, if only this player were on my team.’ And now, Szymanski is with us.”

The reported decision to part ways with Szymanski comes as a surprise, given the high praise he previously received from Mourinho.

Mourinho under fire

Mourinho’s Fenerbahce is ofter criticized for the poor performance in Turkish football leagues. Outperformed by Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk, Mourinho often blasts Turkish refereee without touching upon his team’s low performace.

Mourinho’s statements raises eyebrows among Fenerbahce’s fans. Speaking after a game on January 6, Mourinho urged the Turkish media to address what he perceives as unfair treatment in the league. He asked reporters, “Why are you hiding the truth? What are people afraid of in this country? Is the point difference (in the standings) due to the football played? Speak the truth. Don’t ask me!”

Jose Mourinho claimed that refereeing decisions in recent matches have unfairly impacted Fenerbahce. “If the opponent’s colors were different, they could have been down to 8 players. There should have been 5 red cards in the Eyup and Hatayspor matches combined. This is the situation. Our players know it, our opponents know it, and we must continue on our way,” he said.