When José Mourinho was unveiled as the new manager of Fenerbahçe in June 2024, there was a palpable sense of excitement among the club’s passionate supporters. The Portuguese tactician, known for his incredible track record of winning five out of six European finals, arrived in Istanbul with the hope of leading Fenerbahçe to a long-awaited Turkish Süper Lig title. The club has not lifted the domestic league trophy since the 2013/14 season, and after a decade of near-misses and disappointment, his appointment has reignited hopes that he is the man to break this dry spell.
The big question on everyone’s mind is: Can José Mourinho deliver the elusive Turkish Süper Lig title that Fenerbahçe fans have been craving for ten years? With his proven experience, major summer signings, and tactical tweaks, Mourinho’s challenge at Fenerbahçe is full of potential, but as his first domestic defeat to Galatasaray has shown, the road to success won’t be smooth.
A Club Desperate for Domestic Glory
Fenerbahçe came agonizingly close to ending their title drought last season under İsmail Kartal. They accumulated 99 points— their highest league total ever— but narrowly lost out to fierce rivals Galatasaray, finishing just three points behind the champions. Despite only suffering one defeat all season, Fenerbahçe’s long wait for a league title continued, much to the disappointment of their fanbase.
The team’s inability to seal the league title over the past decade has been a sore point. Fenerbahçe has gone through 12 managers since their last league success, with notable names such as Dick Advocaat, Vitor Pereira, and Jorge Jesus all failing to add to the club’s 28 domestic titles. While İsmail Kartal came close, the board’s decision to bring in Mourinho signals the club’s intent to secure the biggest prize in Turkish football.
Mourinho’s Tactical Approach and Summer Signings
José Mourinho’s arrival at Fenerbahçe brought with it significant changes to the squad. The summer transfer window saw a flurry of activity, as Mourinho added some high-profile names to the team. Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri joined for a club-record fee of €19.5 million, adding firepower to the attack. Additionally, The special one bolstered the squad with Çağlar Söyüncü, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Filip Kostić, while securing loan deals for Sofyan Amrabat and Szymon Żurkowski.
These signings were not just about bringing in talent but also about creating a squad that fits Mourinho’s tactical philosophy. The Portuguese manager has implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation that often morphs into a 4-4-2 when out of possession, emphasizing defensive solidity and structured play. In this system, experienced players like Edin Džeko, Fred, and Dušan Tadić play crucial roles. Tadić, in particular, acts as the creative force behind the attack, while Fred and Kostić dominate the left side of the build-up play.
Mourinho’s tactical tweaks have had an immediate impact. Fenerbahçe has won four of their first six league matches under his guidance, conceding only five goals. The team’s defensive structure has improved, and they have shown moments of attacking brilliance, indicating that Mourinho’s strategies are beginning to take hold.
The Galatasaray Setback
However, as successful as the start of the season has been, Mourinho’s first domestic defeat—against archrivals Galatasaray in the Intercontinental Derby—was a harsh reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The match, played in front of a packed crowd, was expected to be a defining moment early in the season. A victory would have given Fenerbahçe a psychological edge and potentially swung the title race in their favor. But it wasn’t to be.
Galatasaray took control of the game with a 3-1 victory. A stunning goal from Lucas Torreira opened the scoring, followed by goals from Dries Mertens and Gabriel Sara. Despite Edin Džeko converting a penalty to give Fenerbahçe hope, Mourinho’s side failed to mount a comeback. They generated 3.40 xG (expected goals), a clear sign that they created opportunities, but Galatasaray’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a standout performance, keeping Fenerbahçe at bay.
FT | 1-3 pic.twitter.com/tosrEFz3fV
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) September 21, 2024
While it was the special one first league defeat, the loss left Fenerbahçe five points behind their rivals in the Süper Lig standings. It is still early in the season, but dropping points in such a significant fixture has added pressure on Mourinho to bounce back quickly.
Mourinho’s Legacy and the Weight of Expectations
For José Mourinho, the expectations are always high. Known for his ability to win silverware wherever he goes, Mourinho’s track record of success speaks for itself. From his time at Porto to Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Mourinho has often delivered trophies in his second season. However, after a difficult final year at AS Roma, where his time ended with a sacking, questions linger about whether Mourinho still has the tactical edge to compete at the highest level in modern football.
At Fenerbahçe, the challenge is clear: deliver a league title that the club has waited ten years to achieve. The club’s passionate fanbase is desperate for success, and with Galatasaray already establishing an early lead in the title race, Mourinho’s margin for error is shrinking.
However, if there’s one thing Mourinho has proven time and time again, it’s his ability to thrive under pressure. His vast experience, combined with his tactical acumen, still makes him a formidable manager, capable of pulling off the unexpected. While Fenerbahçe’s defeat to Galatasaray is a setback, Mourinho has the tools to turn the season around.
Can Mourinho Deliver the Title?
As the season progresses, Mourinho’s ability to adapt, motivate his players, and implement his tactical philosophy will be tested to the fullest. Fenerbahçe fans remain hopeful that Mourinho can deliver the Turkish Süper Lig title they have long dreamed of. His summer signings have brought fresh talent, and his tactical tweaks have already shown promise.
However, the competition will be fierce, and the special one must use all his experience to overcome the hurdles ahead. The Turkish Süper Lig is one of the most challenging leagues in Europe, and with rivals like Galatasaray and Beşiktaş also eyeing the title, Mourinho has his work cut out for him.
Fenerbahçe’s title drought may have stretched for a decade, but with him at the helm, the dream of lifting the trophy once again feels within reach. Whether he can achieve it, however, remains to be seen. The road to glory is filled with challenges, but if anyone can navigate them, it’s José Mourinho.
