Fenerbahçe’s 3-1 Loss to AZ Alkmaar: Mourinho’s Suspension and Team Absences Impact Europa League Hopes
Fenerbahçe returns from the UEFA Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar with a 3-1 defeat.
Fenerbahçe, who failed to capitalize on a penalty from En-Nesyri, left the match with a 3-1 loss.
JOSE MOURINHO IN THE STANDS
Fenerbahçe head coach Jose Mourinho watched the match from the stands due to his suspension from a red card received in the previous game against Manchester United. Assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle attended the pre-match press conference in Mourinho’s place.
FOUR ABSENCES FOR FENERBAHÇE
Fenerbahçe was without four players against AZ Alkmaar. Cengiz Ünder and Jayden Oosterwolde, who were previously sidelined due to injuries, along with İrfan Can Kahveci and Djiku, who returned injured from the Trabzonspor away match, were not included in the squad.
FENERBAHÇE FANS SHOW SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE
Before the match, a moment of silence was held in respect for the recent flood disaster in Valencia, Spain. Following this, Fenerbahçe fans showed support for Palestine with chants, drawing a reaction from Dutch fans.
FANS DIDN’T LEAVE THE TEAM ALONE
Fenerbahçe supporters didn’t leave their team alone in Alkmaar. They gathered at a meeting point in Alkmaar’s city center before heading together to the stadium, filling their designated section and cheering on the team from the moment the players began warming up. Fenerbahçe players individually acknowledged the fans, applauding them.
BECAO-ÇAĞLAR PAIR FOR THE FOURTH TIME
Due to Djiku’s injury, head coach Jose Mourinho fielded the Becao-Çağlar Söyüncü defensive pairing for the fourth time this season.
With this pairing in the starting lineup, Fenerbahçe previously drew 2-2 away with Göztepe, defeated Kasımpaşa 2-0 away, and beat Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 at home.
