sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Jose Mourinho dropped one of his coldest-ever responses after discovering Fenerbahce’s next Champions League opponents

Home> Football> Football News

Published 11:52 31 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Jose Mourinho dropped one of his coldest-ever responses after discovering Fenerbahce’s next Champions League opponents

Mourinho was on good form following Fenerbahce's win.

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Jose Mourinho gave one of his coldest responses ever when talking about Fenerbahce's next Champions League opponents.

Following his departure from AS Roma in January, Mourinho returned to management earlier this summer when he took charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The 61-year-old has a sparkling managerial CV including spells at Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Having managed so many elite clubs, Mourinho has rarely experienced European qualifiers.

Advert

He's had to adapt to his new surroundings in Istanbul though, as he looks to guide Fenerbahce through the Champions League qualifiers and into the group/league stage of the competition for the first time since 2008-09.

On Tuesday Fenerbahce booked their place in the third qualifying round with a 2-1 win against Lugano in Istanbul. Mourinho's side won a dramatic first leg 4-3 in Switzerland last week, leaving them with a job to finish at home.

The 6-4 aggregate victory saw Fenerbahce advance to the next round where they will face French side Lille, who did not take part in the second qualifying round.

After the game, Mourinho was in typically bullish mood. When it was put to him by a reporter that Turkish teams tend to struggle against the stronger sides in Europe, the 'Special One' backed his players.

Jose Mourinho has guided Fenerbahce into the next round. [Getty]
Jose Mourinho has guided Fenerbahce into the next round. [Getty]

"Lille had an unlucky draw. They will play with us," he shot back.

"I understand that Turkish teams have difficulties against strong teams in Europe. Turkish teams should have a chance in the draw. However, it was not a good draw for Lille because Fenerbahce will not be easy for them."

He continued: "Tomorrow [Wednesday], after a few hours of sunbathing by the pool, I will start training for Lille with my wonderful team."

Fenerbahce will travel to France for the first leg of the tie on Tuesday, before welcoming Lille to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium a week later.

The winner will advance to the two-legged play-off round, where a place in the league phase of the newly expanded Champions League will be up for grabs.

Featured Image Credit: Exxen

Topics: Lille, Fenerbahce, Europa League, Football, Jose Mourinho

Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a journalist at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He can often be found watching dreadful non-league football.

X

@alex_brotherton

Recommended reads

David Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGettyBarry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Roberto De Zerbi instantly decides on first Spurs signing who's never played in England before

    The new Spurs manager has already picked the one player who can transform the club.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Premier League announce the ultimate free perk for fans and it's a gamechanger

    The Premier League made the game-changing announcement on social media, confirming the free service.

    Football
  • Getty
    5 hours ago

    Lamine Yamal's reaction after Spain warned over anti-Muslim chant vs Egypt

    Lamine Yamal's response was reported by the media after the Spanish football federation condemned the anti-Muslim chant.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    5 hours ago

    Man Utd face nightmare as Andre Onana's wages set to spike from UCL qualification

    Manchester United qualifying for the Champions League will create a difficult problem to resolve.

    Football
  • Jose Mourinho tipped to join surprise Premier League club as Fenerbahce sack confirmed
  • Jose Mourinho could finally get to coach 'dream' player if 2007 prediction comes true
  • Jose Mourinho Returns to Chelsea Amid 'Advanced Talks' with Champions League club
  • Jose Mourinho 'reaches agreement' to take shock managerial job