Fenerbahçe head coach Jose Mourinho has indicated he expects to remain at the helm of the Istanbul giants next season, bringing some clarity to ongoing speculation about his future.
The experienced Portuguese manager, who took over last summer on a two-year deal, had previously avoided giving direct answers on whether he would continue. However, following Fenerbahçe’s 4-2 defeat away to Hatayspor on Monday, Mourinho offered a firmer stance.
“If you ask me whether I’ll be here next season, I refer you to what our president said on TV a few weeks ago,” Mourinho stated. “He said he wants me to stay and is counting on me. Those were his words, and I was told the same thing in private. Nothing has changed since then, at least nothing that has been communicated to me.”
Club president Ali Koç has been vocal in his support of Mourinho, emphasizing the importance of “stability” at the club. Koç also revealed that Mourinho had rejected a substantial €36 million ($40.6 million) offer to leave during the season — a decision that underlined the coach’s commitment to Fenerbahçe’s project.
Despite public backing from the club’s hierarchy, Mourinho has faced increasing pressure from sections of the fanbase, particularly following a dip in form late in the season. He has also been a consistent critic of officiating in Turkish football throughout the campaign.
“The disappointment from recent results is felt by all of us,” Mourinho admitted. “People who know football understand that the end of the season affects motivation, but I don’t accept the idea that my players don’t care.”
Fenerbahçe have already secured second place in the Super Lig, finishing behind arch-rivals and newly crowned champions Galatasaray. They will close out their domestic campaign on Saturday at home against Konyaspor.
Looking ahead, Mourinho anticipates another demanding summer as the club prepares for Champions League qualification rounds.
“I’ve coached two European finals in recent years — more than the history of Turkish football in that context,” he said. “Last summer we came close to reaching the Champions League group stage, only losing on a late penalty to Lille. This time we’ll try again, and we need to be fully prepared. Every club, coach, and player dreams of the Champions League — and so do we.”
As Fenerbahçe look to regroup and strengthen for next season, Mourinho’s confirmation provides a sense of direction amid the turbulence of recent weeks. All eyes will now be on how the Yellow Canaries approach their summer rebuild and European challenge.