José Mourinho does not intend to lure players away from his previous employer AS Roma as the new coach of Fenerbahçe. The Portuguese manager was presented at the Turkish top club on Sunday in front of tens of thousands of fans.
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Mourinho, 61, has signed a two-year contract with Fenerbahçe, which narrowly missed out on the Turkish title this season. Galatasaray outperformed their major rival. With Mourinho at the helm, Fenerbahçe, the club of players such as Jayden Oosterwolde and Ferdi Kadioglu, hopes to claim the league title in the Süper Lig.
The appointment of Mourinho, one of the most decorated managers in football, is seen as a significant move by Fenerbahçe to elevate their domestic and European prospects. Mourinho's arrival has generated immense excitement among the club's supporters, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of fans who attended his unveiling.
During a press conference, the experienced Portuguese coach was asked whether he would turn to players he had managed at AS Roma in his search for new talent for the squad. Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku have been mentioned as potential reinforcements for Fenerbahçe.
Dybala is under contract with Roma until mid-2025, and Lukaku has a contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2026. The Belgian played on loan at Roma this season. "I have not taken players from my previous employers to clubs where I have worked before, so I will not bring any players from Roma," said Mourinho. However, Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho did follow their coach from Porto to Chelsea in the summer of 2004.
"I haven't had the time to discuss new players with Fenerbahçe yet. I want to first understand our current situation. I am not someone who throws around names in the media. We will quietly do our work," said the former coach of FC Porto, Chelsea, Internazionale, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Mourinho's approach reflects his careful and strategic planning. He emphasized the importance of assessing the current squad before making any transfer decisions. His track record of success at some of the world's biggest clubs underlines his ability to transform teams and achieve immediate results.
The move to Fenerbahçe marks Mourinho's first venture into Turkish football, and his presence is expected to bring a new level of competitiveness and tactical expertise to the Süper Lig. Fenerbahçe fans are hopeful that Mourinho's leadership will end their long wait for a league title, as the club has not won the Süper Lig since the 2013-2014 season.
Additionally, Mourinho's global reputation is likely to attract high-caliber players to Fenerbahçe, enhancing the club's profile and competitiveness on both domestic and international stages. His ability to manage and motivate players will be crucial as Fenerbahçe aims to challenge Galatasaray and other rivals for supremacy in Turkish football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Mourinho and Fenerbahçe's moves in the market. The club's supporters eagerly anticipate the new era under Mourinho, confident that his experience and tactical acumen will lead them to success.
