Turkish football powerhouse Fenerbahçe has parted ways with head coach José Mourinho following the club’s failure to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The decision comes after Fenerbahçe’s 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round, a result that relegated the team to the Europa League. [1]

Mourinho, who took the helm in June 2024, leaves after just over a year in charge. During his tenure, he oversaw 62 matches, achieving 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses, culminating in a win percentage of approximately 59.6%. [2] Despite a second-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season, Fenerbahçe ended 11 points behind champions Galatasaray and failed to secure any silverware, exiting both the Turkish Cup and Europa League prematurely.

The club’s early exit from the Champions League qualifiers, particularly the 1-0 loss to Benfica following a goalless draw at home, was a significant blow. Mourinho attributed the defeat to Benfica’s superior experience and quality, acknowledging that the Europa League might be more aligned with Fenerbahçe’s current level. [3]