Jose Mourinho (foto: Uradni facebook profil kluba)
Jose Mourinho took a defiant stance during his press conference ahead of Fenerbahce’s crucial Champions League qualifying second leg against Lille, emphasizing that criticism of him often elevates his critics' profiles.
The Portuguese manager acknowledged the extra motivation teams often have when facing him, attributing it to his storied career filled with titles and accolades.
Fenerbahce finds itself in a challenging position, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to stay alive in the Champions League. A straightforward win on Tuesday would secure their passage to the next round, while even a narrow victory could lead to a penalty shootout. Despite the high stakes, Mourinho remains confident, focusing on the significance of his presence in the competition.
In the press conference, Mourinho commented on the intense atmosphere they expect to face in Turkey, remarking, "In football, having a history full of titles and awards is a price to pay when facing other rivals. I don't see it as a problem because it's something that happens for a good reason." He highlighted the extra effort opponents often put in when playing against him, viewing it as a testament to his successful career.
Mourinho also addressed the media's constant scrutiny of his methods, saying, "The same thing happens with journalists, because they become famous when they criticize me." The Fenerbahce coach expressed confidence that the charged atmosphere would work in their favor as they aim to overcome Lille and continue their Champions League journey.
In addition to his comments on the upcoming match, Mourinho voiced his displeasure over an incident during his Turkish League debut against Adana Demirspor, where he was booked for stepping onto the pitch. Mourinho suggested a double standard, noting, "I am sure that Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk would not be booked if he entered the pitch four metres away. For me, if I stepped on him one metre, I would be punished. That is the truth."
The first leg saw Fenerbahce concede an own goal early in the match, with Irfan Kahveci equalizing late before Edon Zhegrova secured Lille’s narrow lead. Fenerbahce will need a strong performance in the return leg to advance, and Mourinho’s confidence suggests he believes his side is up to the challenge.