Fenerbahce coach José Mourinho expressed his views on the Europa League, stating that it is “more adapted to our level” after the Turkish giants missed out on Champions League football for the 2024-25 season. Mourinho’s team drew 1-1 in extra-time with Lille and were subsequently eliminated in the third qualifying round of the elite continental competition, losing 3-2 on aggregate. He admitted that competing in the Champions League would not have given them a chance to reach the last stages of the competition. Mourinho believes that in the Europa League, they will have better chances as they will be facing teams of similar caliber.
Despite recognizing the financial benefits and the prestige of playing in the Champions League, Mourinho remains realistic about Fenerbahce’s chances in the competition. He mentioned that although they would lose financially by not participating in the Champions League, they would never realistically have a shot at winning the title or reaching the final. The Europa League, in Mourinho’s opinion, presents a better opportunity for Fenerbahce to make an impact. He emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals and focusing on the Europa League to achieve success.
Having won the Champions League with FC Porto and Inter Milan, Mourinho has shifted his focus to ending Fenerbahce’s 10-year Super Lig title drought. The Portuguese manager signed a two-year contract with Fenerbahce in June, following his dismissal from Roma. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the revamped European competitions and understands the difficulty of competing on all fronts. Mourinho expressed his concerns regarding the new format of the Europa League, with an increased number of matches leading to a congested schedule until December. He highlighted the need for adaptation to the changes and emphasized the importance of keeping the team fresh amidst the demanding schedule.
Mourinho expressed his confusion over the new structure of the Europa League and Champions League, acknowledging the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of European football. He mentioned that the increased number of matches and the unique format of the Europa League present a challenge for Fenerbahce. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the competition, Mourinho remains optimistic about his team’s chances and believes that they have a strong squad to navigate through the challenges.
José Mourinho’s pragmatic approach to Fenerbahce’s European aspirations highlights the importance of setting realistic goals and adapting to new circumstances. While the Champions League may offer financial benefits and prestige, Mourinho believes that the Europa League is better suited to Fenerbahce’s level. With a focus on ending their Super Lig title drought and navigating through the challenges of the revamped European competitions, Mourinho remains determined to lead Fenerbahce to success in the upcoming season.