Jose Mourinho’s stint at Fenerbahce has come to an abrupt end after just six games into the new season, with the Turkish club confirming his dismissal on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach was shown the door following Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Benfica, which denied Fenerbahce a place in the Champions League group stage.
“Our Professional Football team has parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who has been serving as head coach since the 2024-2025 season,” the club announced on its official X account, thanking the 62-year-old for his efforts.
Mourinho, who signed a two-year deal in May 2024, endured a turbulent spell in Istanbul.
Despite high expectations, his first season ended trophyless as Fenerbahce finished second in the Turkish Super Lig behind rivals Galatasaray, crashed out in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals, and exited the Europa League in the round of 16.
According to Turkish media, tensions between Mourinho and the Fenerbahce hierarchy had been simmering for months.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss openly criticised the club’s transfer strategy, suggesting his squad was ill-equipped for European success.
“If the Champions League was vital to my club, something would have been done with the transfer window,” Mourinho said ahead of the Benfica clash — remarks that reportedly soured his relationship with the board.
Club executives accused him of “distorting facts,” insisting he had only requested Milan Skriniar as a signing.
Despite adding players such as Nelson Semedo and Colombian striker John Durán, Fenerbahce have made a sluggish start to the season, sitting seventh in the league with four points from two games.
Mourinho’s sacking comes just 24 hours after Besiktas dismissed another former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, following their Conference League elimination.
Mourinho departs Turkey with his 11th managerial job behind him and an uncertain future, though speculation is already mounting that he could soon be back in the dugout in Europe’s top leagues.