Jose Mourinho sack decision explained amid ‘DISTURBING’ relationship claim

Robin Bairner

13 Sept 2025 22:00 BST
4 min read

Jose Mourinho was one of the first major high-profile sack victims of the season, with the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss ditched by Fenerbahce back in August.

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Mourinho had only overseen six competitive matches of the season when he was jettisoned, with the decision made shortly after his Fenerbahce side were eliminated from the Champions League by Benfica.

It was a call that allowed the Portuguese to top €100 million in earnings from compensation payments, but also came as something of an embarrassing slap in the face for the ‘Special One’ given the timing of the call.

While there were reports that his relationship with president Ali Koc had deteriorated, the Fenerbahce supremo has now spoken out about the call.

Mourinho sacked for negative mentality

In quotes relayed by Portuguese source Record, he explained: “Attacking football wasn't present last season. We discussed these issues, and I thought we were in agreement.

“When this season started, the performance we saw in the first five official games mirrored last season's.

“Anyone could be eliminated by Benfica, but the way we played bothered me. That's why it was such a risky and difficult decision.

“Since we couldn't see much light at the end of the tunnel regarding the championship, we had to make this difficult decision.”

Despite Koc’s desire to see a more adventurous style from Mourinho, a coach notorious for his conservative philosophy, he claimed it was “very difficult” to sack the legendary boss.

“It wasn't the financial burden or the press, but the emotional aspect that disturbed me the most,” he said.

“He was part of my family, our relationship was very good. It wasn't just football, it was a family relationship. That aspect disturbed me.”

Since Mourinho’s sacking, Fenerbahce’s only fixture was a 3-1 win over Genclerbirligi on 31 August.

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