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Jose Mourinho is preparing to continue his career in Russia after parting ways with Fenerbahce. The Portuguese coach, who was dismissed following the Champions League playoff defeat against Benfica, is now in talks with Russian Premier League clubs and could soon become the league’s highest-paid manager.
According to Euro Football, Mourinho has held preliminary discussions with Russian clubs through intermediaries. The 62-year-old is reportedly asking for at least a two-year contract and a guaranteed annual salary of €20 million ($23.23 million).
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce on July 1, 2024, with high expectations but lasted only 14 months in Istanbul. His tenure ended after a 1-0 aggregate defeat against Benfica in the Champions League playoffs.
During his spell, Mourinho managed 62 official matches, achieving 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 defeats — an average of 2.02 points per game.
While the numbers looked solid, the team fell short of major goals: finishing second in the Super Lig, 11 points behind Galatasaray, exiting the Türkiye Cup in the quarterfinals, and being eliminated by Rangers in the Europa League Round of 16.
In addition to sporting failures, disagreements with the club’s board also contributed to Mourinho’s departure. The coach criticized the club for not acting aggressively enough in the transfer market, stating: “If the Champions League was so important, new signings should have been made between the Feyenoord and Benfica matches.”
The board countered, saying Mourinho made few specific demands and only insisted on signing Milan Skriniar.
This became the shortest managerial spell of Mourinho’s career. Despite previous roles at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter, and Roma, his time at Fenerbahce ended after just 62 matches — a negative record for the Portuguese tactician.
Reports indicate that Russian clubs are ready to meet Mourinho’s financial demands, which would make him the highest-paid coach in the league. Meanwhile, his name has also been linked with Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and West Ham, but the Russian option appears more attractive both financially and sportingly.
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