Key Takeaways:
- Ali Koç cited dissatisfaction with Fenerbahce’s style of play as the primary reason for parting with José Mourinho at the end of August
- Mourinho was dismissed after spending exactly one year as head coach
- Koç expressed the club’s ambition to dominate domestically, highlighting a record of 99 goals and 99 points
Situation Surrounding Mourinho’s Exit
Fenerbahce’s president, Ali Koç, has addressed the recent decision to dismiss José Mourinho from his role as head coach after a single year at the club. The Turkish side chose to part ways with Mourinho at the end of August, following a campaign that failed to meet the management’s expectations, particularly regarding the team’s playing style and progress.
Fenerbahce president Alic Koc explains Mourinho's sacking:
🗣 "We parted ways because we believed this squad would be playing better football at this point.
We knew our coach would put emphasis on defence when we brought him in, but we talked about the need to play more… pic.twitter.com/bApaGANK5a
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) September 8, 2025
Koç’s Perspective on Team Performance
Ali Koç clarified that the loss to Benfica, which resulted in Fenerbahce’s elimination from European competition, was not the central issue. Instead, Koç emphasised disappointment with the manner in which the defeat transpired and expressed concerns about the team failing to evolve strategically. According to Koç, the same recurring issues observed last season appeared unresolved under Mourinho’s guidance, leading to the club’s decision to move in a different direction.
Aim to Reclaim Domestic Dominance
During his statements to Hürriyet, Koç outlined Fenerbahce’s expectation to assert dominance in Turkish football, seeking both high-scoring performances and point tallies that reflect the club’s identity. He placed emphasis on the club’s aspiration to both accumulate 99 goals and gather 99 points, which he described as being embedded in Fenerbahce’s “genetic code.”
