Following Fenerbahçe’s shocking loss to Portuguese team Benfica in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round, José Mourinho quit the Turkish club as coach.
The Portuguese manager, who had only taken over the Istanbul team earlier this year, agreed to leave by mutual consent after failing to lead them into the Champions League group stages.
With Champions League qualification viewed as essential to Mourinho’s strategy, Fenerbahçe’s early departure severely damaged their financial and competitive aspirations.
Fenerbahçe confirmed in a statement on Friday that Mourinho has “parted ways” with the team, although they also thanked the 62-year-old for his work.
The statement went on to say, “We wish him success in his future career.”
Mourinho was expected to bring European experience and tactical discipline to Fenerbahçe, having achieved success with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Roma. But the dismal Champions League campaign soon put pressure on his standing.
With Fenerbahçe keen to stabilise their season as they turn their attention to the Turkish Super Lig and their aspirations to qualify for the Europa League, all eyes will be on Mourinho’s successor.
