In a recent press conference, Jose Mourinho made it clear that he has no interest in any players from AS Roma. “I want to clarify the situation 100%. I have no interest in any player from Roma. None whatsoever,” the Portuguese manager stated unequivocally. Mourinho’s comments come just a day after Fenerbahce officially announced his appointment as their new head coach. The Istanbul-based club unveiled the veteran tactician on June 2nd, marking his return to management after a brief spell out of the game.
Mourinho, who had been without a club since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in April 2021, now embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 60-year-old, renowned for his success at the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, will be tasked with reviving Fenerbahce’s fortunes. The Turkish giants finished a disappointing 3rd in the Süper Lig last season, missing out on a UEFA Champions League spot. Fenerbahce will be hoping Mourinho’s arrival can help them mount a stronger title challenge and potentially secure qualification for Europe’s premier club competition.
In his press conference, Mourinho was keen to dispel any rumors linking him with a move for Roma players. The Italian club, whom Mourinho managed for the 2021-22 season, winning the Europa Conference League, have been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks. Mourinho’s unequivocal stance on the matter suggests he is fully focused on his new project at Fenerbahce and has no intention of raiding his former club for talent. The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss will be looking to build a squad capable of delivering success in Turkey. Fenerbahce’s decision to appoint Mourinho represents a significant coup for the club. The Portuguese tactician’s vast experience and proven track record of winning titles at the highest level make him an attractive proposition for the Istanbul-based outfit.
Mourinho’s appointment has already generated a buzz among Fenerbahce’s passionate fan base, who will be eager to see the team mount a sustained challenge for the Süper Lig crown and potentially make a mark in European competition. As Mourinho embarks on his new adventure in Turkey, his clear message regarding Roma players suggests he is fully committed to the task at hand and determined to shape Fenerbahce’s squad in his own image. The coming months will be crucial as he looks to revive the fortunes of one of Turkey’s most iconic and successful clubs. With Mourinho’s proven ability to deliver trophies and his unwavering focus, Fenerbahce supporters will be hoping their new manager can lead the team to glory and restore the club’s status as a force to be reckoned with both domestically and internationally.
Prior to his appointment at Fenerbahce, Jose Mourinho’s most recent managerial role was with Italian club AS Roma. The Portuguese tactician was at the helm of the Giallorossi from 2021 until January 2024, a tenure that saw him deliver significant success during his time in the Italian capital. Mourinho’s arrival at Roma in the summer of 2021 was met with great anticipation among the club’s passionate supporters. The experienced manager was brought in to help the team challenge for major trophies and restore their status as a European powerhouse. True to form, Mourinho wasted little time in making his mark on the team.
In his first season in charge, he guided Roma to a historic triumph in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. This was the club’s first European title since the UEFA Intertoto Cup victory in 1991, and it represented a major milestone in the Mourinho era. The Portuguese boss masterminded a resolute and disciplined performance in the final against Feyenoord, as Roma clinched a 1-0 victory to lift the inaugural edition of the third-tier European competition. This success not only provided the club with a much-needed boost but also secured their place in the following season’s UEFA Europa League. Mourinho’s impact extended beyond just winning trophies, as he also helped Roma reach new heights in European competition. In the 2022-23 campaign, the Giallorossi embarked on an impressive run in the UEFA Europa League, reaching the final of the competition.
Although they ultimately fell short, losing to Sevilla in a dramatic penalty shootout, the mere fact that Roma made it to the final was a testament to Mourinho’s tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players. The run to the showpiece event marked the club’s first appearance in a major European final since the UEFA Champions League final in 1984. Mourinho’s tenure at Roma was not without its challenges, as he had to navigate a highly competitive Serie A landscape and deal with the intense scrutiny that comes with managing a club of such stature. However, the former Inter Milan and Manchester United boss proved that he still had the ability to deliver success at the highest level. Beyond the trophies and finals, Mourinho’s impact on Roma was felt in the way he transformed the team’s mentality and playing style. He instilled a winning mentality and a sense of discipline that had been lacking in recent years, while also implementing a more pragmatic and organized approach to the team’s tactical setup.
The Portuguese manager’s ability to get the best out of his players, both tactically and in terms of their commitment and work rate, was a key factor in Roma’s success during his time at the club. He managed to get the team punching above their weight, consistently challenging for European places and silverware. As Mourinho embarks on his new challenge at Fenerbahce, his time at Roma will be remembered fondly by the club’s supporters. The Giallorossi faithful will be grateful for the trophies and memorable European runs that the experienced coach delivered, and they’ll no doubt hope that his successor can build upon the foundations he laid. While Mourinho’s departure may have come as a surprise to some, his record and the impact he had on the club during his time in charge will undoubtedly cement his legacy as one of the most successful managers in Roma’s recent history.
