Former Fenerbahçe defensive midfielder Serkan Reçber has made a bold claim that his former club cannot win the Turkish Super Lig title while Jose Mourinho remains at the helm, particularly against their fierce rivals Galatasaray.
Speaking on the Sports Digitale YouTube channel, Reçber criticized Fenerbahçe's approach, suggesting that the club needs to focus more on addressing off-field issues rather than on-field performances.
"Fenerbahçe needs to organize its off-court activities more than its on-court activities," Reçber stated. "They are becoming Euro League champions, yet they are targeting Galatasaray. They should stop this. I don't think Fenerbahçe will win the championship against Galatasaray under Jose Mourinho."
The comments come after Galatasaray clinched the Turkish Super Lig title last season, with Fenerbahçe finishing as runners-up despite high expectations following Mourinho's appointment.
Mourinho, who joined Fenerbahçe in 2024 after departing from Serie A side AS Roma, has been under increasing pressure to deliver domestic success. The Portuguese manager's arrival was met with significant fanfare, but Reçber's comments reflect growing skepticism about whether the decorated coach can overcome Fenerbahçe's traditional rivals.
The rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray is one of the most intense in European football, with matches between the two Istanbul giants often referred to as the "Intercontinental Derby." Mourinho's inability to secure victory against Galatasaray would represent a significant failure in the eyes of many Fenerbahçe supporters.
Football analysts note that Reçber's criticism extends beyond just Mourinho's tactical approach, pointing to deeper organizational issues within the club that may be hampering their chances of domestic success.
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