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Just 20 days after being dismissed by Fenerbahce following a 0-0 and 1-0 aggregate loss to Benfica in the Champions League play-offs, Jose Mourinho returned to the Portuguese club as head coach, immediately making headlines with controversial remarks about his former team.
The 62-year-old manager said that joining Fenerbahce was a mistake and returning to Benfica brought him back to his level. These comments triggered reactions from Fenerbahce head Ali Koc, who addressed Mourinho’s remarks in a television appearance.
Ali Koc described Mourinho’s comments as diminishing and said the former coach was unfairly attributing the elimination to a single player. He added that Mourinho’s departure was difficult, that the coach was like family, and that he is reducing himself by implying one player caused the elimination. Kerem Akturkoglu scored the decisive goal, and it is part of football’s unpredictability.
The head also criticized Mourinho for not adapting fully during his time at the club. He noted that change was necessary after the first season, but it didn’t happen.
In a Record interview, Mourinho highlighted the timing of Kerem Akturkoglu’s transfer.
He said he closes the door when leaving clubs, does not make excuses, and questioned why Kerem was only transferred after eliminating Fenerbahce.
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