José Mourinho is still José Mourinho. His team, Fenerbahçe, won the 10th matchday of the Turkish championship this Sunday at Trabzonspor (3-2) despite two penalties conceded and thanks to a goal scored by Sofyan Amrabat in the 90th minute + 12!
Enough to offer two surreal scenes from the Portuguese coach. The first, on the pitch, at the final whistle with a missed slip and a celebration worthy of a success in the Champions League final.
The second at the microphone of BeIN Sports Türkiye, the official broadcaster, with a projection towards the refereeing body and the Turkish governing bodies.
“The man on the field? The video referee. We didn’t see him but he was the real referee. The referee was just a kid on the pitch. (…) He went from the invisible man to the most important man. I think I speak on behalf of all Turkish football fans. We don’t want it anymore. We no longer want him on the pitch but we want him even less in VAR. I had been warned of what to expect before I arrived but it was worse than I had been told. But I prefer to be on this side (pats himself on the chest). It’s more difficult because we are fighting against strong opponents like Trabzonspor. »
“You should tell the Turks to report what is happening”
And the Portuguese coach continues: “But above all we are fighting against a system. (…) This is why we celebrate this victory so much. We won’t give up. (…) Those who warned me about the atmosphere here only told me half the truth. They didn’t reveal everything. Otherwise I wouldn’t have come. (…) Let’s laugh about it. If we take things too seriously… But I work here in Türkiye. It’s not my country but I care about it because it’s my job. But the Turks should be told to talk about it, to denounce what happens year after year. You, not me. I will be the one who denounces the system, the one that the system wants to silence. (…) But we are clean. »
There is no doubt that the Turkish football authorities will listen to Jose Mourinho’s message. For what answer? Continues. Meanwhile, “Fener” remains second in the league, five points behind leaders Galatasaray.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to another exciting edition of Time.news. Today, we’re delving into the fiery world of football, focusing on a recent match that has stirred quite a reaction from one of the sport’s most colorful figures—José Mourinho. Joining me is Dr. Sofia Karam, a sports management expert and avid football analyst. Welcome, Dr. Karam!
Dr. Karam: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the latest happenings in the world of football, especially with someone as polarizing as José Mourinho at the helm of Fenerbahçe.
Editor: Absolutely. Mourinho is never far from the headlines, is he? His team recently secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Trabzonspor. What stood out to you most about this match?
Dr. Karam: The sheer tenacity of the Fenerbahçe team was remarkable, especially to clinch the win with that last-minute goal by Sofyan Amrabat. That kind of late drama keeps fans on the edge of their seats! But what really captured everyone’s attention were Mourinho’s antics both on and off the field.
Editor: Right! His celebration was described as reminiscent of a Champions League victory, despite the challenges they faced. What does this say about Mourinho’s approach as a coach?
Dr. Karam: It shows the fiery passion and competitive spirit he brings to every match. For Mourinho, every victory is monumental, regardless of the context. His emotional investment can inspire his players and create a galvanizing atmosphere. However, this can also heighten tensions, especially when reflecting on officiating decisions, which Mourinho has been very vocal about.
Editor: Speaking of officiating, his comments post-match were quite striking. He dubbed the video referee the “real referee” and expressed frustration about the state of officiating in Turkish football. What do you think about his remarks?
Dr. Karam: Mourinho has always had a tumultuous relationship with referees, and this situation is no exception. His characterization of the video assistant referee (VAR) system highlights a broader issue in football regarding transparency and accountability. It’s crucial for leagues to maintain credibility, and if coaches like Mourinho feel undermined, it creates a rift between stakeholders—managers, players, and officials.
Editor: He certainly knows how to rally the fans, doesn’t he? His message to Turkish football fans, encouraging them to take a stand for their league, shows he’s positioning himself as an ally for their cause. Why do you think he feels compelled to take such a stand?
Dr. Karam: That appeals to his strategic mindset. By positioning himself as a defender of the integrity of the league, he resonates with the fans and players who may feel similarly disenfranchised. It bolsters his image as a warrior for the team and the region, which is crucial in a league where passion runs high. It’s also a way for him to navigate his own challenges—instead of combative complaints that could backfire, he’s appealing to a collective sentiment.
Editor: And we see the impact of such rhetoric in the locker room as well. Do you think this will enhance team morale or create pressure?
Dr. Karam: It could very well enhance morale, uniting the team under a shared cause. However, it also places the weight of expectations squarely on their shoulders. Players might feel the pressure to not only perform on the pitch but also live up to the ideals that Mourinho has articulated. The balance between motivation and pressure is delicate—it could galvanize them or lead to stress.
Editor: It’s certainly a high-stakes environment, especially with Mourinho at the helm. As we wrap up, what do you think this match and his subsequent comments signify for the future of Fenerbahçe and Turkish football?
Dr. Karam: This match is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Turkish football—passion, controversy, and the quest for excellence. Fenerbahçe is in a pivotal moment, and under Mourinho’s guidance, they have the potential to challenge for titles while instigating important conversations about the state of officiating. Ultimately, the success of this approach will depend on how well he can manage not just victories, but the climate around those victories moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Karam, for your insightful analysis on this captivating match and the drama beyond the pitch! We’ll keep an eye on Mourinho and Fenerbahçe as they navigate the season ahead.
Dr. Karam: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds.