Fenerbahce struggles under Mourinho: Early concerns emerge
Head coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce gives tactics to players during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Round match between Fenerbahce and FC Lugano in Istanbul, Türkiye, July 30, 2024. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce’s start to the 2024-25 season under Jose Mourinho has raised significant concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Despite high hopes, the team has already experienced several setbacks, including an early exit from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and a disappointing 2-2 draw against Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig. These results have led to increasing criticism of Mourinho’s tactics and management style.
The draw against Goztepe has been particularly frustrating for Fenerbahce supporters. The team held a 2-0 lead at halftime but failed to secure the win, allowing Goztepe to equalize in the second half. Many have pointed fingers at Mourinho for this outcome, accusing him of failing to make the necessary in-game adjustments.
Critics question Mourinho’s tactical decisions after Goztepe draw
Sports journalist Ahmet Cakar did not mince words, labeling Mourinho as “arrogant” and suggesting that his overconfidence is affecting his decision-making.
The responsibility for the 2-2 result lies solely with Mourinho!
Sports journalist Ahmet Cakar
He criticized Mourinho’s reluctance to make substitutions that could have strengthened the team’s defense and helped preserve their lead.
Statistics from Fenerbahce‘s matches this season further reveal the team’s struggles. In six official matches, Fenerbahce has only managed to outshoot their opponents once, during a home game against Adana Demirspor. This is a stark contrast to last season under Ismail Kartal, when Fenerbahce consistently dominated their opponents in terms of shots taken per match.
The team’s current difficulties in attack have been compounded by issues in building play from the back. Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, usually a reliable player, has made several errors this season due to intense pressure from opponents. In three of Fenerbahce’s matches, Livakovic has led the team in misplaced passes, a worrying trend that highlights the team’s struggles in maintaining possession.
Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho gives tactical instructions during the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, second-leg match against Lille at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Aug. 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
Inconsistencies in Fenerbahce’s lineup under Mourinho spark criticism
Mourinho’s tactical decisions have been a major point of contention. Levent Tuzemen, another sports analyst, criticized Mourinho for his constant changes to the starting lineup.
Mourinho keeps experimenting with different lineups, disrupting the team’s stability.
Sports analyst Levent Tuzemen
He argued that success in football often depends on consistency, something Mourinho seems to overlook with his frequent rotations. According to Tuzemen, this approach prevents the team from developing a cohesive playing style, further complicating their chances of success.
The 2-2 draw against Goztepe has intensified the scrutiny on Mourinho. Ali Gultiken, another commentator, pointed out that any coach taking over a team as successful as Fenerbahce was last season faces immense pressure to perform even better.
“When you take a team that was so successful last season, you’re expected to do even better,” Gultiken observed. Failing to win after leading 2-0 only adds to the frustration among Fenerbahce supporters.
