Not because of Champions League — Fenerbahce reveal real reason for sacking Jose Mourinho

Fenerbahce president Ali Koc recently explained that the Champions League disappointment against Benfica was not the main reason Jose Mourinho was fired rather, because of his playing style. 

The Portuguese tactician was fired after one season in charge, after failing to secure Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season. However, his termination might not be solely down to that. 

The Yellow Canaries recently tried to hire Luciano Spaletti as their new coach, but the former Napoli manager turned down their approach. 

Speaking about their coaching situation, Koc confirmed the Spalletti snub before explaining the thought process behind firing Mourinho. He said they wanted a coach who played on the front foot, and Mourinho did not seem amenable to that.                 

“It was a bitter separation. We had great chemistry; his accomplishments are evident, and just being able to bring him here was a great achievement,” Koc said, per Football Italia.  

“It was difficult to part with someone I was friends with. We knew the coach would play defensively, but at the end of the season, we had discussed the need to take more of an initiative.

“The elimination to Benfica wasn’t so much the problem as the way we were eliminated. It made me feel last season’s approach would continue.

“We parted with Mourinho because we believed this team would be playing better football at this point. This kind of football might work in Europe, but in Turkey, we have to crush most opponents, not struggle to take the lead.”