Jose Mourinho: “The Team That Did More to Win Lost”

Fenerbahçe’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, expressed his disappointment after the Beşiktaş derby, stating that although they fought hard, they lost. Reflecting on the match, Mourinho said, “We came here to win. We weren’t trying to protect the result. Honestly, the team that did more to win the game lost.”

In the 15th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe faced Beşiktaş away in the derby, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.

After the match, Mourinho evaluated the game and the referee‘s performance.

“I THINK WE DESERVED AT LEAST A DRAW”

Speaking about the referee, Mourinho commented, *“The referee’s performance was decisive for us. It was a good match with good officiating. He controlled the game without issuing consecutive yellow cards. Before the match, I went to the referee’s room and congratulated him. I think he managed the game well and kept control. I liked his performance.”*

Regarding the match, Mourinho added, *“The players fought honestly. I congratulate Beşiktaş as well; they fought well, but they fought for a draw. We fought to win. Although my team wasn’t perfect, I think we were the better side. They had one clear chance, and they scored from a half-chance. We had chances like the goal-line clearance and Dzeko’s shot hitting the post. I think we deserved at least a draw. They also created some threats, but the game was in our hands. I can’t criticize my players for their attitude on the pitch. We did everything we could to win, but unfortunately, football is like this. I congratulate Beşiktaş and the referee.”*

 “THE TEAM THAT DID MORE TO WIN LOST”

Mourinho further stated, “In the end, this was a match for three points, and every three points matter. The gap with our rivals is three points, but tomorrow, it could be 4.5 or 6 points. We are still in the title race. We came here to win. We weren’t trying to protect the result. Honestly, the team that did more to win the game lost.”

When asked what he could say to keep the fans‘ belief in the title alive, Mourinho replied, *“I would tell our fans to watch the match again. They will understand what I mean. I also understand their emotions. No one is more upset than me right now. I was dissatisfied with my team’s performance against AZ Alkmaar, but today’s match was not like that. There’s a long road ahead. If the referees in all matches of the title-contending teams perform like today, then the champion will have deserved it. I believe we will win the league.”