Fenerbahce President Ali Koç Reflects on Mourinho’s Brief Tenure: Mutual Regrets and Respect

Key Takeaways:

• Ali Koç addressed José Mourinho’s recent remarks after his unveiling as Benfica manager
• The Fenerbahce president acknowledged Mourinho’s claim that moving to Turkiye was a mistake for both parties
• Koç remarked that he would always remember Mourinho fondly, despite their mutual disappointment

Koç Responds to Mourinho’s Comments on Fenerbahce Exit

Ali Koç, president of Fenerbahce, offered his perspective following comments made by José Mourinho during the Portuguese coach’s introductory press conference as Benfica’s new manager. Mourinho stated that joining the Istanbul club had been an error, describing the move as below his standards and criticising Fenerbahce’s lack of new signings during his time there.

🚨 | Ali Koç: "Mourinho'nun ayrılığı zor bir ayrılıktı, ailemden biri gibiydi. Her şeyini verdiğini söyledi; verdi. İşkolikti. Deli gibi çalıştı ama aşı tutmadı. Hata yaptığını söylüyor, iki taraf için de hatalı bir karar olduğu zaman ilerledikçe ortaya çıktı." (Now TV) pic.twitter.com/oSAo9nhs1j

— 🇹🇷 Transfer Haberleri ⚒ (@Transferhaber6) September 19, 2025

Reflections on Mutual Regret

In response, Koç acknowledged the difficulty of Mourinho’s departure, while agreeing that, in hindsight, the partnership may not have been ideal for either side. He stated: “Mourinho’s departure was a difficult decision for me. He was like a member of the family. He said that coming here was a mistake. I think in the end it was a mistake for both sides. He said he came to a club of his level. Great. I will always remember him fondly.”

Critique of Mourinho’s Approach

Koç also questioned Mourinho’s self-assessment, expressing that a manager of his calibre diminishes himself with such public statements. He further referred to Mourinho associating Fenerbahce’s Champions League elimination with one player, Aktürkoğlu, whose goal played a decisive role, adding a note of irony to the situation. Koç then commented on Mourinho’s adaptability, saying: “Mourinho should have adapted to the place he was at. There is a saying that goes: ‘Only the dead and fools do not change.’ Here, he should have changed a bit more after his first season” in his interview with Turkish Now TV.

Background: Mourinho’s Short Spell in Turkey