Jose Mourinho’s time at Fenerbahce has ended in disappointment and controversy following the club’s decision to part ways with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham boss.
As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, the enigmatic Portuguese has been let go after the Turkish giants failed to make it to the lucrative group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Here are three decisive reasons why the club decided to part ways with the celebrated Portuguese manager:
1. Failure to Secure Champions League Football
One of the primary reasons for Mourinho’s dismissal was Fenerbahce’s failure to qualify for the lucrative UEFA Champions League group stage.
Their hopes were dashed after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portuguese giants Benfica in a crucial qualifying clash in Lisbon on Wednesday night.
Kerem Akturkolu’s 35th-minute curled finish sealed a humiliating exit that cost the club significant financial rewards and prestige.
Instead, Fenerbahce now face a drop to the Europa League, intensifying the pressure on Mourinho’s tenure.
2. Losing the Super Lig Title to Bitter Rivals Galatasaray
Last season’s disappointment of missing the Super Lig title added to the mounting dissatisfaction.
After missing out on the title agonisingly in the previous season, Mourinho was appointed to breach the gap in an elaborate transfer move.
However, Fenerbahce lost the championship to bitter Istanbul rivals Galatasaray, who were led by Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.
This domestic failure hit hard, especially given the club’s ambition and investment. Galatasaray’s back-to-back title wins and momentum contrast sharply with Fenerbahce’s struggles under Mourinho’s leadership.
🔥🔥🔥#5YıldızlıŞampiyon 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TUVZUFIxaR
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) May 26, 2025
3. Poor Start to the New Season
The woes continued for Mourinho and his Fenerbahce side into the new campaign with a sluggish start in the Super Lig.
After two matches, Fenerbahce managed just one win and a draw, already trailing the league-leading Galatasaray by five points.
Sitting seventh on the table, the team’s underperformance raised serious concerns about Mourinho’s ability to turn things around.
The club’s management saw little hope for immediate improvement under his guidance.
Mourinho and Fenerbahce
The sacking of Jose Mourinho was confirmed by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media shortly after Fenerbahce’s exit from Europe.
The decision reflects the club’s desire to reset following a tough Champions League qualifier loss and underwhelming domestic form.
Mourinho’s tenure, marked by another early European exit, ended abruptly, adding to the record of difficult endings in his managerial career.
Fenerbahce will now look to rebuild and regroup under new leadership as Galatasaray aims for a historic third consecutive league title. Mourinho faces a challenging road ahead in securing a new managerial role after this setback.