Jose Mourinho: “We Never Complain, We Find Solutions”

Fenerbahçe will host Scotland’s Rangers in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tomorrow, and Mourinho held a press conference at Ülker Stadium. Here are his statements:

“WE FACED CHALLENGES ON THE FIELD”

“We haven’t faced difficulties off the field, but we have encountered challenges on the field because we played against good teams. We respect our opponents and have had our struggles. The reason we have remained unbeaten for 18 matches is our ability to fight through these challenges.”

“I HAVE ONE MORE YEAR LEFT ON MY CONTRACT”

“Obradovic is a great coach. Even when I was at other teams, I could feel his success. This is a big sports club, and success here belongs to everyone. When we stand united, success will come sooner or later. My future is not important—what matters is Fenerbahçe. I have one more year left on my contract here, but right now, my only focus is Fenerbahçe and my job here, nothing else.”

“TOMORROW’S MATCH WILL BE TOUGH”

“I have immense respect for both Celtic and Rangers. Tomorrow’s match will be tough for us, but I am happy to be playing against a Scottish team and to be traveling to Scotland next week.”

“MY YEARS IN SCOTLAND WERE FANTASTIC”

“My time in Scotland in the mid-’90s was fantastic, despite the challenges. I was still playing football back then. The methodologies taught in the coaching courses there were crucial. When young coaches ask me where they should take their first step, I always say Scotland.”

“I EXPECTED A NORMAL BATTLE WHEN I CAME HERE”

“When I arrived, I promised the fans that I would fight every day. But I thought it would be a normal battle—giving my best and winning matches in a fair competition. After spending a few months here, I realized I needed to do even more.”

WOULD YOU COACH CELTIC OR RANGERS?

“I have a job right now, and my job requires loyalty. But in the future, why not? Yes, the Scottish league is dominated by two teams, but it is also a league full of passion. For me, passion is everything in football. Celtic and Rangers are huge clubs. But as I said, I have a job right now.”

“WE NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT THESE SITUATIONS”

“Fred will be a significant absence for us, and I don’t think İsmail is fully ready yet. But we never complain about these situations; we always look for solutions. It doesn’t matter who plays—I trust my players.”

MOURINHO RESPONDS TO OKAN BURUK AND JORGE JESUS QUESTION

When asked about Jorge Jesus’ comment, “Only small teams play one match per week,” and Okan Buruk’s statement, “Playing one match per week is an advantage,” Mourinho replied:
“I am not in a position to comment on what Okan Buruk or Jorge Jesus said. Don’t ask me about them—I don’t have to respond to their statements.”

“RANGERS WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT UNDER THEIR NEW COACH”

“I know Barry Ferguson’s history as a player, but I don’t know much about his coaching career. The bond between a coach and the fans is crucial. I believe Rangers will be very different and much tougher compared to their previous coach, who focused heavily on philosophy. But football is won on the pitch.”