Interviews

Mourinho takes dig at Roma: “Is it ambitious to aim for miracles in Europe but always finish sixth?”

Andy Mattioli
New coach of Turkish club Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho looks on upon his arrival at Istanbul's airport on June 2, 2024. Two-time Champions League winning Jose Mourinho will be the new coach of Turkish club Fenerbahce, he announced on June 1. The Portuguese coach, who won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, has not worked since he was sacked by Italian Serie A side Roma in January 2024. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho did not mince words in his veiled critique of his former club, Roma, during his press conference as Fenerbahce’s new manager.

The Special One took part in a press conference in Turkey today to address the local media for the first time since his appointment as the new manager of the team that finished with 99 points in the Turkish Super Lig this year.

During his press conference, Mourinho took a dig at Roma and Tottenham, two clubs which he recently coached and was sacked from.

In particular, Mourinho discussed the process that led to choose to accept Fenerbahce’s offer.

“I chose Fenerbahce because for me it is ambitious,” said the Special One.

“I have a house in London. Is it an ambition to coach a London club, finish sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth and qualify for the Europa League?” he continued, clearly referencing his experience at Spurs.

“Everyone knows that I love Italy: is it an ambition to coach there, do miracles to win in the Europa League but never be able to go beyond fifth-sixth place?” he added, referencing his recent exploits in the Italian capital.

“I know what our fans dream of,” he continued. “It was this ambition that made me come here.”

“I don’t want to be in my comfort zone. If I had the opportunity, I would start training tomorrow and play my first match next weekend. The project impressed me.”

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