Fenerbahce have parted ways with head coach Jose Mourinho in a shocking twist, just months after his appointment.
The Portuguese manager was shown the door following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
The decision was confirmed on Monday, a day after Fenerbahce’s narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat to Portuguese giants Benfica in the play-off round.
The loss ended hopes of returning to Europe’s elite competition, which was one of Mourinho’s key targets.
Mourinho had been brought in earlier this year with high expectations.
Fenerbahce’s board believed his experience in Europe could restore the club’s reputation and help them compete at the highest level.
However, the team’s campaign faltered, and the disappointment proved costly for the 61-year-old.
According to the club’s statement, the move was made to “chart a new direction” and quickly stabilize the squad ahead of upcoming domestic and continental challenges.
The board added that an interim replacement would be announced soon.
Mourinho’s dismissal adds another unexpected chapter to his career, which has seen short stints in recent years.
The defeat to Benfica was described by local media as a “huge blow” for the Turkish side, who had invested heavily in both squad depth and managerial expertise.
Fans had hoped Mourinho’s tactical edge would end years of European underachievement.
The coach himself had hinted at frustrations during the qualifiers, often pointing to missed opportunities and lack of sharpness in attack.
Despite that, the board concluded that change was inevitable after the latest disappointment.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce will now shift focus to the Turkish Super Lig and the Europa League, where they hope to salvage pride and chase silverware.
