Overview

• Koç called the Aug. 29 dismissal "painful" but said Mourinho’s defensive approach clashed with Fenerbahçe’s expectation to play on the front foot.
• He said the 1-0 aggregate loss to Benfica was acceptable in result but unacceptable in manner, reinforcing fears last season’s style would persist.
• Koç confirmed Luciano Spalletti was the first choice to replace Mourinho, but the Italian declined to return to club coaching this season.
• Reports in Germany state Domenico Tedesco is the frontrunner, with talks described as advanced and a deal possible barring late changes.
• Under Mourinho, Fenerbahçe played 62 matches with 37 wins, 14 draws and 11 losses, finished second in the Super Lig and failed to win a trophy.