19.09.2025 22:30
Head coach Mehmet Topal criticized Jose Mourinho for considering his time at Fenerbahçe a mistake. Regarding Mourinho's statements, Topal said, "I believe Mourinho made an unfortunate and incorrect statement. I never think that coming to Fenerbahçe would be a mistake. Even if you are unsuccessful, you need to be mindful of the greatness of certain clubs when speaking about them."
Head coach Mehmet Topal stated that it was unfortunate and wrong for his Portuguese counterpart Jose Mourinho to consider his time at Fenerbahçe a mistake. The 39-year-old coach, who most recently worked with the Romanian team Petrolul, answered questions from the press at the Istanbul leg of the World Legends Padel Tour held at Rixos Tersane.
''UNFORTUNATE AND WRONG STATEMENT''
Sharing his views on Mourinho's statement, "I made a mistake by going to Fenerbahçe," after parting ways with the Turkish club and signing with his home country's Benfica, Mehmet Topal said, "I think Mourinho made an unfortunate and wrong statement. I never think coming to Fenerbahçe would be a mistake. Even if you are unsuccessful, you need to be mindful of the greatness of certain clubs when speaking about them. This applies to anyone, even one of the best coaches in the world. I value respect in this matter. Of course, I cannot know what he has experienced, but I believe a significant figure like Mourinho should be careful when making statements." he said.
''WE NEED TO OPEN UP MORE TO ABROAD''
Mehmet Topal emphasized that more Turkish coaches should work abroad.
Expressing his desire to continue his career abroad, Topal stated, "I spend my time watching matches and visiting my former coaches who worked abroad. I have received offers from some teams. We need to open up more to abroad because continuing in Europe is a significant advantage for those who want to develop themselves in a place where there is such a poor football environment and where other issues are discussed more than football. I hope that in the future we can get out of this chaotic environment and fully adapt to football. My goal is to continue abroad." he said.
''I BELIEVE THEY WILL RECOVER''
Evaluating the A National Football Team's 6-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and Galatasaray's 5-1 defeat to Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, Mehmet Topal noted:
"We had a bad defeat in the last match of the A National Team. We were very saddened. However, we played against a very strong and serious country. This should not be forgotten. Galatasaray also lost in the UEFA Champions League. Sometimes such bad times can happen, but what matters is to represent our teams and our crescent-star flag in the best way possible. I believe they will recover in the other matches. I wish them success."