Jose Mourinho’s Press Conference: “Fenerbahçe and This Country Are My Priorities!”

Ahead of Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Europa League Play-Off first-leg match against Anderlecht, Jose Mourinho answered questions at the press conference.

“I DON’T THINK IT’S AN ADVANTAGE.”

Sharing his thoughts on the match, Mourinho stated:

“I don’t see playing the first leg at home or away as an advantage. Since the away goal rule has changed, I view it as a single 180-minute match. If you ask me what would be a favorable score, there’s no such thing as a good result for tomorrow. What matters is advancing after the second match. I’m always calm in first legs because I know that the deciding factor is the result over both games.”

“PEOPLE SPEAK WITHOUT KNOWING!”

“NO ONE CAN BLAME MY STAFF.”

Responding to a question about injuries and whether he was satisfied with the team doctor, Mourinho reacted strongly:

“People talk, but they don’t know what they’re talking about. Compared to the same period last season, the situation is different. Looking at last year’s injuries in mid-February, we have a 50% decrease. Not just 5-10%, but half as many injuries. The reason it stands out so much this year is that all of them are defenders. If these injuries had affected different positions—center backs, midfielders, wingers, strikers—no one would notice. Unlike before, no one can blame my staff. In the past, people have thrown staff members under the bus, but I extinguish the fire. I protect the people I work with. There isn’t a single factor to blame—it’s not just the doctor. Last season, the doctor was blamed, but the problem probably wasn’t him. The real factor is football itself. Injuries happen in football. Players run more, they run harder, they have less recovery time. Injuries have multiple causes—you can’t point to just one. Diego Carlos’ injury came from contact, same with Yusuf. İsmail, Çağlar, and Livakovic have muscle injuries. Many factors play a role—cold weather, pitch conditions, fatigue, accumulated exhaustion. No one can touch the doctor. As long as I’m here, that won’t happen.”

ICARDI AND GALATASARAY DERBY RESPONSE

When asked about Mauro Icardi’s social media posts, whether he would prove he is “The Special One” in the derby, and Fenerbahçe’s European ambitions, Mourinho replied:
“Which two questions? You need to pick two.”

The journalist insisted on answers regarding Icardi and the Galatasaray derby.

Mourinho responded:

“I’ve already proven I’m ‘Special.’ I’ve won 26 trophies in 25 years. One match doesn’t define my career—my 25-year career defines who I am. As for Icardi, he is a ‘GOAT.’ Since he is such a great ‘GOAT,’ I choose not to comment on him—I’ll just stay silent and accept it.”

Asked whether he would provide extra motivation for his players before the Galatasaray match following the European tie, Mourinho stated:

“What could be a greater motivation than playing a knockout match? We have two games to play. We’ve already played eight tough matches in Europe. We suffered many injuries. We had players we couldn’t register. We played crucial matches against Lyon and Midtjylland and advanced in dramatic fashion. Now, we’re in the knockout stage—what could be better than that? The emotions are intense, the pressure is high, every detail matters… There’s no need for extra motivation.”

“CHILDREN SHOULDN’T GROW UP LEARNING THIS.”

When asked whether his social media posts damage the brand value of the Turkish Süper Lig and if he believes the league has sporting integrity, Mourinho responded:

“It depends on your perspective. If you’re happy with the current situation, then yes, I’m damaging it. But if you’re unhappy and don’t want your children growing up learning this, then you’ll think the opposite. When I came here, I said I would do what I’m doing now. I work for Fenerbahçe and for this country. I work in this great country where millions of people love football. If they are happy with the current state, they will think I’m causing harm. But this isn’t just about this season—it’s been going on for years. Those who are unhappy with the situation know that the impact I’m making abroad helps expose what’s happening here. People outside are learning that some people here are not happy with how things are run.”

With that, Mourinho concluded his press conference.