Statements by José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach of Fenerbahçe, in an interview with Sky Sports.
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José Mourinho, now leading Fenerbahçe, recently expressed his deep frustration with what he perceives as ongoing unfair treatment in European football, particularly since the 2023 Europa League final when Roma faced Sevilla.
That match, which ended in a narrow loss for Roma, left Mourinho feeling disillusioned due to controversial calls that, in his view, affected the game’s outcome and highlighted a pattern of decisions that have since continued. Reflecting on the aftermath of that match, Mourinho described how the sense of injustice has lingered, shaping his recent experiences on the field.
"The feeling is that I’m in trouble in Europe," he shared. "I lost a final in a way I still cannot accept, and since then, I’ve felt this." Mourinho expressed that, while accepting consequences for actions is part of football, there is a fundamental expectation that, once served, everyone starts with a "blank slate." However, he feels that hasn’t been the case in his experience. Citing a recent Champions League match where his Fenerbahçe team faced Lille, Mourinho recounted their exit from the competition after a contentious 90+4 minute penalty awarded by VAR. “We were knocked out of this Champions League by Lille with a VAR penalty, which only VAR saw,” he said, emphasizing the difficulty of losing under such circumstances and questioning the consistency of decision-making in such high-stakes moments.
Adding to his frustrations, Mourinho’s recent red card at Old Trafford during a match with Manchester United has only intensified his sense of grievance. He explained that his reaction a call for a penalty he believed his team deserved was not unlike that of others on the bench and the crowd. "I was just shouting, like everyone on the bench and in the stadium, ‘It’s a penalty, it’s a penalty!’ without any kind of insult, and I got a red card," he recounted. For Mourinho, this incident underscored what he perceives as an ongoing bias, acknowledging, "I know it’s a battle I’ll never be able to win."
Mourinho also addressed whether his past achievements in European football, including his Champions League and Europa League titles, entitle him to different treatment. However, he refuted the notion that he deserves special consideration based on his record. "I deserve to be treated like anyone else," he insisted, drawing a comparison with players, from legends like Lionel Messi to debutants, who all, in his view, should adhere to the same standards. He extended this perspective to coaches, mentioning renowned managers like Carlo Ancelotti, who, he believes, should be held to the same behavioral standards as any young coach stepping onto the field for the first time. "Ancelotti has to behave the same as a young coach, and that’s what I want for myself," he stated. "But it’s not what I’ve been getting."
Despite his desire for fairness, Mourinho feels he’s been targeted since that fateful final in Budapest, sensing that he’s treated with a level of scrutiny that goes beyond normal expectations. "I don’t want any special treatment; I just want honest treatment, that’s all," he emphasized. To Mourinho, this means accountability should be fair and consistent: "If I do something wrong, punish me and make me pay, but if I haven’t done anything wrong, leave me alone." Yet, in his view, achieving this has become increasingly difficult.
The issue of VAR also seems to play a significant role in Mourinho’s frustrations, as he feels that VAR decisions, especially in critical moments, often lack transparency and consistency. He’s not alone in his concerns; many coaches and players have criticized the way VAR disrupts the flow of the game and can sway outcomes unpredictably. For Mourinho, this latest experience only adds to a narrative of persistent challenges he has faced in European competitions. And while he’s still driven to succeed, there’s a clear sense that he’s growing weary of the perceived lack of fairness and accountability in how these decisions are made.
As Mourinho continues his journey with Fenerbahçe, he remains committed to the club and its goals, yet his recent comments hint at a broader disillusionment with the European football landscape. His remarks reflect a deep desire to restore trust and fairness in the sport he loves, while also voicing the frustrations of many in football who feel similarly impacted by inconsistent officiating. Whether Mourinho’s call for "honest treatment" will lead to any change remains to be seen, but his words have certainly rekindled the debate over fairness and accountability in European competitions.
Updated: 04:04, 30 Oct 2024
