Sky Sports Interview: Mourinho Reflects on Fenerbahçe, VAR, and Premier League Plans
Fenerbahçe Manager Jose Mourinho Speaks to Sky Sports

Fenerbahçe Manager Jose Mourinho Speaks to Sky Sports
VAR Interventions
“I don’t find it fair that you should be penalized in football only to start over with a clean slate afterward. This season, we were eliminated from the Champions League in the 94th minute against Lille due to a VAR penalty decision. Then, this Thursday, when everyone in the stadium was shouting ‘penalty, penalty,’ VAR didn’t intervene. Later, I was shown a red card. It’s a battle I’ll never win.”
How Should He Be Treated?
“I should be treated like everyone else. It doesn’t matter if you’re Lionel Messi or playing your first match. The rules are the same for Messi as they are for a young player. Of course, this also applies to coaches. Whether you’re Carlo Ancelotti or a young coach, the treatment should be the same. That’s all I ask for myself, no special treatment. I only want honesty. If I did something wrong, I should be punished, but if I didn’t, then leave me alone. It’s been getting harder since the final in Budapest.”
Will He Return to the Premier League?
“I joked that I won’t be in Europe. I just won’t be coaching a team struggling against relegation – that’s something I’ll never do. I’m not in a bad period of my career; I’m enjoying competing in European tournaments. Coaching a team fighting for survival is too challenging, emotionally intense, and very different from winning trophies. Only the brave can do that.”
London
“I’ve managed three different teams in England, each in unique situations. I loved working there and was lucky to live in many cities, but especially for my family, London was the best. London is home for me. I’ll return to the Premier League if someone wants me back. But, I should say that I’ll be with Fenerbahçe this season and next.”
Istanbul
“Istanbul is a magnificent city. I live in Europe and cross over to Asia every day. After training, I return to Europe to sleep. It’s even easier to get to training facilities in Istanbul than it was with Chelsea in London. I’ve stayed at the facilities a few times – it’s normal. I can’t lose my drive and hunger. When I was with Real Madrid, I remember times when Sir Alex invited me to Old Trafford, and we’d try to relax but couldn’t. Playing against United was a pleasure. Here, there’s been no success for a decade. The president is amazing, the fans are great, the players are good, and the club has a rich history – but there’s been no championship for ten years. I won’t discuss it further. We’ve only lost to Lille and Galatasaray. Here, if you win, you’re the best in the world; if you lose, you’re seen as the worst team in the world.”