When José Mourinho took the stage yesterday, introduced as Benfica’s new coach, he didn’t just talk about his future. He also cast a shadow over his past. Mourinho admitted he made a “bad” move by going to Fenerbahçe. As you might guess, those words didn’t sit well with everyone, especially the Turkish club’s president, Ali Koç, who quickly fired back in a national television interview.
Koç spoke about Mourinho’s exit, calling it “a tough call” for him. He even described Mourinho as “a member of the family.” But family ties can sometimes snap. Koç acknowledged Mourinho’s “mistake” comment. He added that, in his view, it turned out to be a poor decision for both sides. He noted Mourinho’s claim that he’s now joined “a team of his level.” Koç ended that part by saying, “That’s fine. I’ll remember him fondly,” according to his remarks on ‘Now TV’.
However, Koç didn’t stop at fond memories. He had some pointed messages to deliver. The president suggested that Fenerbahçe players, who truly shined in the 99-point season before Mourinho arrived, actually went backward under his leadership. Koç made it clear he told Mourinho this directly. He didn’t mince words, stating that a coach of Mourinho’s standing “belittles himself” by making such public declarations. He even brought up Mourinho blaming the Champions League exit on one player, Kerem Aktürkoğlu. The irony wasn’t lost on Koç, who pointed out that, by a twist of fate, Kerem’s very goal sealed their elimination.