08.04.2025 11:50
After the match in which Fenerbahçe lost to Galatasaray, Head Coach Jose Mourinho met with Vice President Acun Ilıcalı. The two discussed the issues within the team and potential solutions. Mourinho stated that some players have been physically and mentally worn out and expressed his intention to make significant changes. Ilıcalı fully supported Mourinho, saying, "Do whatever is necessary."
After the match in which Fenerbahçe lost to Galatasaray in the cup, Acun Ilıcalı and Jose Mourinho came together to discuss the issues within the team.
"WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IN THE TEAM, COACH?"
During the late-night meeting, Ilıcalı asked, "What is the problem in the team?" Mourinho stated that due to the intense match schedule, some players had become physically and mentally exhausted. The Portuguese coach expressed that this exhaustion negatively affected the team and mentioned that he planned to make radical changes.
Mourinho indicated that he did not consider including players such as Talisca, En Nesyri, Kostic, İrfan Can Eğribayat, Çağlar Söyüncü, Yusuf, and one of the standout names of the season, Oğuz Aydın, in the squad. These decisions were risky; especially if the team lost the match against Trabzonspor, they could face serious criticism.
"DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY, COACH"
However, at this point, Acun Ilıcalı intervened. He fully supported Mourinho by saying, "Do whatever is necessary, coach. President Ali Koç and I are with you all the way. We will face all the criticism." Following this confidence, Mourinho implemented the planned changes, moving from a three-man defense system to a four-man defense.
THE MOVES PAID OFF
These radical moves paid off. Fenerbahçe emerged victorious against Trabzonspor, achieving one of the most critical victories of the season. With this victory, the yellow-navy team not only gained morale but also held on strongly to the championship race.