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Fenerbahce’s newly appointed manager, Domenico Tedesco, has drawn immediate comparisons to his predecessor, Jose Mourinho.
Like Mourinho, Tedesco lacks a major playing career, favors a three-man defense, prioritizes defense over attack, and embraces counter-attacking football. He also shares the Portuguese manager’s reputation for hefty compensation demands.
Throughout his career, Tedesco has predominantly set up teams with a three-man defense. His approach raises questions for Fenerbahce, a team that often struggled under Mourinho’s same formation and sought a more attacking style.
Tedesco is also known for using a wide rotation of players and tailoring his lineup for each opponent, which could delay Fenerbahce from finding its ideal starting eleven.
Previously managing Bundesliga sides Leipzig and Schalke, Tedesco often left mid-season, a trait reminiscent of Mourinho’s career path.
While regarded as one of the most promising young managers in world football, Tedesco faces the enormous responsibility of following in Mourinho’s footsteps.
His career trajectory may lead him to Europe’s elite clubs, but he still has several hurdles to clear.
Another similarity to Mourinho: Tedesco has experienced leaving clubs with substantial compensation payments, a pattern that has also followed him to Fenerbahce.
One of Tedesco’s biggest challenges is entering a league where three matches have already been played. He inherited a squad that he did not sign or train during the preseason, limiting his initial influence.
Tedesco emphasizes defensive security and aggressive pressing in a three-man formation, but it remains to be seen if his approach will satisfy Fenerbahce’s fanbase, accustomed to attacking football.
Meanwhile, former player Gokhan Gonul has joined the coaching staff as Tedesco’s assistant, adding a familiar Turkish presence to the technical team.
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