Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç explains Mourinho’s dismissal: “The way we lost was unacceptable”
Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç has revealed the real reasons behind José Mourinho’s dismissal, stressing that the decision went beyond results and was tied to the Portuguese coach’s style of play.
Mourinho’s Record at Fenerbahçe
Mourinho took charge of the Turkish giants on June 30, 2024, and managed his final game on August 27, 2025.
- 62 matches: 37 wins, 14 draws, 11 losses
- 0 titles in one full season
- 2nd place in the 2024/25 Super Lig (84 points, behind Galatasaray’s 95)
- Knocked out in the Europa League Round of 16 by Rangers
- Eliminated by Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals
His last game was a 1-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League qualifiers, sealing his exit.
Koç’s Explanation: “We Need to Dominate”
In an interview with Sport Bild, Koç admitted parting ways with Mourinho was painful:
“It was a painful separation. We got along well, and his successes are evident. Bringing him here was a great achievement. Above all, it was difficult to part with someone who was my friend.”
The president insisted the issue wasn’t just about trophies or the Benfica elimination, but rather the manner of defeat:
“The elimination against Benfica wasn’t a problem, but the way we were eliminated was unacceptable. It made me feel like last year’s football would continue. That kind of football works in Europe, but in Turkey, we have to dominate most games.”
Koç highlighted that while Mourinho’s defensive approach was expected, Fenerbahçe’s identity demands attacking dominance:
“Scoring 99 goals and 99 points is in our DNA.”
