The Fall of Jose Mourinho: From 'The Special One' to 'The Crying One' at Fenerbahce

Jose Mourinho, once revered as "The Special One" for his tactical genius and unparalleled success in Europe’s top football leagues, is now facing a dramatic decline at Fenerbahce. The Portuguese tactician, who has managed elite clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, has struggled to find his footing in Turkey. Mourinho's fall from grace is palpable, with his stint at Fenerbahce marked by inconsistency, controversial tactics, and public outbursts.

This begs the question: What happened to Jose Mourinho’s decline in Turkey, and can the former champion manager turn things around?

Mourinho's Turbulent Start at Fenerbahce

When Mourinho was unveiled as Fenerbahce's new manager, fans were ecstatic. Over 30,000 fervent supporters welcomed him at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in June. Mourinho himself acknowledged that the passion of the fans fueled his motivation, famously saying: “They have to be crazy. They have to be demanding.” It’s this fiery relationship with supporters that has defined much of Mourinho’s career, from Porto to Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Roma.

However, this time, it seems Mourinho has run out of magic. His journey at Fenerbahce, which began with high hopes, is fast becoming a nightmare. Despite his efforts to tap into the club's fan base, Jose Mourinho's decline continues as his tactical choices and public persona alienate both players and fans.

Champions League Failure and Defensive Tactics

One of Mourinho’s first big tests at Fenerbahce came in the form of the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. After narrowly defeating Swiss side Lugano, Fenerbahce faced Lille in the third qualifying round. The tie ended in disaster for Mourinho's men. Despite Lille being a middling team in Ligue 1, Fenerbahce were eliminated after a last-minute penalty, leaving their fans devastated and their Champions League dreams in tatters.

Mourinho’s decision to use overly defensive tactics, a hallmark of his latter managerial years, backfired once again. Instead of accepting responsibility, Mourinho famously deflected blame, citing VAR decisions and downplaying the importance of the Champions League loss. His stubborn refusal to adapt and evolve has become emblematic of Jose Mourinho’s decline.

A Rocky Start in the Turkish Super Lig

Despite the early setbacks in Europe, Mourinho was brought in to guide Fenerbahce to domestic glory. The club has been in Galatasaray's shadow for the past decade, and Mourinho was seen as the man to dethrone their fierce rivals. But his start in the Turkish Super Lig has been anything but smooth. After securing a 1-0 victory in their opening match, Fenerbahce threw away a two-goal lead against newly-promoted Goztepe, ending the game with a disappointing 2-2 draw.

Mourinho’s post-match comments raised more eyebrows than his team’s performance. He chastised his players for being "too naive" and suggested they should embrace “anti-football,” a tactic that involves time-wasting and feigning injuries. These comments did little to inspire confidence, and it became clear that Jose Mourinho’s decline had reached a point where even his motivational skills were failing to resonate with his squad.

The Turning Point: Istanbul Derby Defeat

September 21, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in Mourinho’s Fenerbahce tenure. Facing arch-rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahce were outclassed in a 3-1 defeat that exposed their defensive frailties. Mourinho, true to form, claimed his team "dominated" the game, despite Galatasaray barely needing to exert themselves to secure victory. His refusal to face the press afterward and his subsequent accusations of being disrespected by Galatasaray's coach Okan Buruk showcased Mourinho in full "sore loser" mode.

This loss not only stung the fans but also drew ridicule from Galatasaray, who dubbed Mourinho "The Crying One" on social media—a far cry from his earlier nickname, "The Special One." Mourinho’s inability to handle the pressure, combined with his public outbursts, has become a recurring theme in Jose Mourinho's decline.

A Dressing Room in Disarray

One of the most telling signs of Mourinho’s waning influence is the growing disconnect between him and his players. Fenerbahce boasts an impressive squad with stars like Edin Dzeko, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Youssef En-Nesyri. Despite this firepower, Mourinho’s negative tactics have stifled the team’s natural attacking instincts. His insistence on a defensive approach, even against weaker teams, is clearly frustrating the players.


Club legend Volkan Demirel has also publicly criticized Mourinho, citing an "unhappy environment" at the club. According to Demirel, the team is plagued by "hopelessness," and Mourinho's rigid tactics and questionable summer signings have left the squad disillusioned. The cracks in the dressing room further underline Jose Mourinho’s decline and raise questions about how long he can last in Istanbul.

The Europa League Clash with Manchester United

As Mourinho prepares to face his former club, Manchester United, in the Europa League, there’s little for United to fear. Erik ten Hag's side has its own struggles, but Mourinho’s Fenerbahce have been far from formidable. The once tactical mastermind now relies on outdated methods that are no longer effective in modern football.

United’s players are unlikely to be intimidated by a manager who has lost his way. Mourinho’s tendency to make games about himself rather than his team’s performance has contributed to Jose Mourinho’s decline in Turkey, and it’s unlikely that a reunion with his old club will turn his fortunes around.

Conclusion

Jose Mourinho’s legendary status as a manager cannot be denied. He has won trophies at every major club he has managed, but those glory days seem like a distant memory. His stint at Fenerbahce is just the latest chapter in Jose Mourinho’s decline, characterized by erratic behavior, tactical stubbornness, and a growing rift with his players.

Fenerbahce fans, who once welcomed him with open arms, are beginning to lose faith. Mourinho’s future in Istanbul looks bleak, and it’s hard to imagine him turning things around. If anything, his tenure at Fenerbahce may serve as a cautionary tale for future clubs considering the once-great manager. The fall of "The Special One" is now complete, leaving behind a legacy tarnished by his inability to adapt to the modern game.