05.03.2025 14:50
Fenerbahçe's head coach Jose Mourinho spoke at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Rangers in the Europa League. In response to Okan Buruk's statement that "We will play one match a week, which is an advantage," and Jorge Jesus's comment that "Only small teams play one match a week," Mourinho said, "I am not obliged to comment on what Jorge Jesus and Okan Buruk said."
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In the first match of the last 16 round of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe will host the Scottish representative Rangers tomorrow, and head coach Jose Mourinho made statements.
Highlights from Mourinho's speech;
We faced difficulties on the field, we respected our opponents. We experienced challenges as well. The reason we have been unbeaten for 18 matches is our struggle against difficulties. We did not face any challenges off the field.
In response to the question, "Do you believe in Fenerbahçe's success project in all branches, and will you be part of this project for many years?" Mourinho said, "Zeljko Obradovic is a great coach. A very big personality, I felt his success in other teams as well. As I go to the matches, I also feel the successes of Sarunas Jasikevicius. This is a big sports club, success here belongs to everyone. If we unite and row in the same direction, success will come. I feel this. I feel better in basketball matches, my fans are there. In football, even if I am not on the bench, but in the box, I focus on the match. Everyone is rowing in the same direction. My future is not important, what matters is Fenerbahçe. I have one more year on my contract here. Right now, the only thing I am thinking about is my duty here and my loyalty here.
"I RESPECT"
You mentioned that Rangers fans always congratulate you when they see you for defeating Celtic in the UEFA Cup final. Is this still happening?"
It doesn't happen much in Turkey because I haven't encountered many Scots here. When I am on vacation, they always come and congratulate me. It was special for me because it was my first European final. I respect both of the two great Scottish teams that have a history in Europe.
"I DIDN'T EXPECT SUCH A FIGHT"
I didn't know much before coming here. When I arrived, I promised to fight for the fans, but I didn't expect such a fight. After spending time here, I realized that I needed to do a little more.
"A GREAT COACH"
In response to the question, "Would you like to work at Rangers or Celtic?" the Portuguese coach said, "Not right now, I have a job. My job motivates me. Why not in the future? People say it's a two-team league there, but there is passion in Scotland. There is no point in playing in empty stadiums. Rangers and Celtic are very big teams. Celtic's coach Brendan Rodgers is a great coach. I also respect Rangers' coach."
"WE FACED DIFFICULTIES BUT DIDN'T CRY"
Not only Fred and Osayi, but we couldn't write an important name like Oğuz Aydın on the European list. We played many matches in Europe, and when you play so many matches, accumulating yellow cards becomes inevitable. We played elimination and playoff matches. I think it is unfair for teams that played 4 matches less than us to have these cards apply. Fred is an important player, but there are important names in his place. İsmail Yüksek is not ready for this match yet, but we will see in training. We faced many difficulties, but we didn't cry. We are finding solutions somehow.
OKAN BURUK'S RESPONSE
"Jorge Jesus said, 'Only small teams play one match a week,' while Okan Buruk said, 'We will play one match a week, it's an advantage for us.' Is the Europa League a burden for you?" I am not obliged to comment on Okan Buruk and Jesus's words. If you ask for my opinion, I will tell you," he stated.
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