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Fenerbahçe Chief Explains Mourinho Exit, Confirms Spalletti Rebuffed Approach

Ali Koç says the decision aimed to restore a more dominant, attacking style.

Fenerbahce fans cheer for their team during the UEFA Champions League 3rd round second leg football match against Feyenoord in Istanbul on August 12, 2025
FBL-EUR-C1-PLAY OFF-BENFICA-FENERBAHCE
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Overview

  • Koç said the Aug. 29 dismissal followed a 1-0 aggregate Champions League play-off loss to Benfica, with the manner of the defeat reinforcing concerns over José Mourinho's defensive tactics.
  • He framed the change as aligning with Fenerbahçe's identity of front-foot football, citing the club's 99 goals and 99 points benchmark from the previous league season.
  • Fenerbahçe is in talks with candidates and expects to appoint a foreign coach with European experience soon after confirming Luciano Spalletti declined to work this season.
  • Mourinho departed after 62 matches with a 37-14-11 record, no trophies, a second-place league finish, and a Europa League exit to Rangers.
  • Turkish media reported tensions with the board and criticism over sidelining domestic players, while separate reports have linked Mourinho to potential new roles.