Edin Dzeko rejects Jose Mourinho’s excuses for Fenerbahce’s struggles

Fenerbahce forward Edin Dzeko challenged head coach Jose Mourinho‘s view that the team’s recent struggles stem from a heavy fixture schedule.

Mourinho cited fatigue as a key reason for the club’s inconsistent performance, saying rivals Galatasaray and Besiktas had more rest after their European matches. In response, Dzeko made it clear that fatigue should not hold back a club as big as Fenerbahce.

Mourinho criticizes scheduling, rival clubs’ recovery time

After Fenerbahce’s victory over Bodrumspor, Mourinho pointed to the challenging schedule, particularly following their UEFA matchup against Manchester United.

“Our rivals have had more time to rest,” Mourinho noted, adding: “I congratulate them on this advantage.” He argued that Fenerbahce’s quick match turnarounds impacted players both physically and mentally, slowing their reactions on the field.

Mourinho expressed frustration over the demanding fixture.

We don’t have the same breaks as our competitors. We played a special, tough match on Thursday, and you start to lose your quality when you’re both physically and mentally tired.

Jose Mourinho

Edin Dzeko insists fatigue is not an excuse for Fenerbahce

In contrast, Dzeko dismissed Mourinho’s complaints, stressing that top players are well-versed in handling busy schedules.

“We’re used to playing every three or four days,” the forward remarked, emphasizing the importance of adaptability for elite teams. “In a club as big as Fenerbahce, fatigue should never be an excuse,” Edin Dzeko stated, conveying that Fenerbahce has a strong roster and should rise above scheduling challenges.