Mourinho Expresses Concerns Over Fenerbahce’s Europa League Hopes, Criticizes VAR Decisions

 

 

Jose Mourinho has voiced his concerns about Fenerbahce’s precarious position in the UEFA Europa League following their goalless draw against Lyon on Thursday. The result leaves the Turkish giants with nine points from seven games, putting their qualification for the next round in serious jeopardy ahead of their final group-stage clash against FC Midtjylland on January 30. The Portuguese manager, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back in criticizing both his team’s circumstances and the match officiating.

 

Reflecting on the draw, Mourinho admitted, “We are in trouble at this moment to qualify. Nine points may or may not be enough. It’s still in our hands, but right now in Europe, it’s difficult for us because we are short of players.”

 

A Squad Stretched Thin

 

Fenerbahce’s struggles are compounded by a spate of injuries and suspensions, leaving Mourinho with limited options. The team is without several key players, including four defenders and their goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Additionally, Sofyan Amrabat is unavailable due to suspension. Mourinho lamented the situation, stating, “We don’t have right-backs, we don’t have left-backs, we don’t have midfielders, but we will have 11 guys fighting for the result.”

 

The coach emphasized that Fenerbahce must focus solely on their own performance, rather than relying on favorable outcomes from other fixtures. “The only thing I know is that we have to go to Midtjylland and we have to fight for a result to qualify,” Mourinho explained. “We cannot be waiting for a combination of other results; we have to go for our result, and we will.”

 

Despite the adversity, Mourinho expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that should Fenerbahce make it to the next round, they will be able to field a stronger squad. The return of injured players, combined with the arrival of new signings, could significantly bolster their chances in the knockout stages. Among the notable additions are Milan Skriniar and Filip Kostic, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, respectively, as well as Diego Carlos, who joined permanently from Aston Villa.

 

“We have one team now, and we will have another team if we get through,” Mourinho remarked. “Imagine this team with Skriniar, Diego Carlos, Kostic—it’s a completely different team.”

Mourinho in the europa league

VAR Controversies and Refereeing Decisions

 

Mourinho’s post-match comments weren’t limited to his team’s challenges. The veteran coach delivered a scathing critique of the refereeing during the Lyon game, particularly focusing on the use of VAR. He pointed to what he viewed as critical officiating errors that went against Fenerbahce, including a controversial challenge on midfielder Sebastian Szymanski by Lyon’s Sael Kumbedi.

 

“The referee made a mistake by giving just a yellow card to Kumbedi for the foul on Szymanski,” Mourinho said. “The VAR is there to help the referee when the referee makes a mistake, and he didn’t call him. If the referee goes to the screen, he gives the red card.”

 

Mourinho directed much of his criticism at Paolo Mazzoleni, the VAR official overseeing the game. “It was Mr. Paolo Mazzoleni, very famous in Italy by the way, that didn’t call the referee. The referee’s mistakes on the pitch are acceptable, but the VAR is there to work, and it didn’t.”

 

The controversy didn’t end there. Mourinho also pointed to a second incident involving Kumbedi, accusing the Lyon defender of a “UFC move” on Szymanski. According to Mourinho, the challenge warranted a second yellow card, which would have resulted in Kumbedi’s dismissal. “Kumbedi made a grabbing-by-the-neck kind of UFC move to Szymanski, who was going in the direction of goal,” he stated. “This would have been a second yellow card, and it should have been a red card—so big mistakes.”

 

VAR’s Role in Other Incidents

 

While Mourinho criticized VAR’s inaction in certain instances, he acknowledged its proper application during another contentious moment. Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate was initially shown a red card for a challenge on Irfan Can Kahveci just before halftime. However, after a review, the decision was downgraded to a yellow card. Mourinho made it clear that he was unimpressed with Mazzoleni’s overall performance, even if he conceded that the referee ultimately made the correct decision in this instance.

 

“When the referee gave the red card to Niakhate, Mr. Mazzoleni now decided to do his job well, and he called the referee,” Mourinho said. “The referee went to the screen, and he made the correct decision.”

 

Fenerbahce’s Struggles in Context

 

Despite being one of Turkey’s most storied football clubs, Fenerbahce have endured a challenging decade. The team has not won the Turkish league title since 2014, leading the club to recruit Mourinho in the summer in hopes of reversing their fortunes. While the Portuguese tactician has brought his characteristic passion and tactical acumen to the team, their Europa League campaign has been far from smooth.

 

Domestically, Fenerbahce sit second in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing their arch-rivals Galatasaray. Meanwhile, in the Europa League, Galatasaray are currently ninth in the standings and appear poised to advance to the knockout stages. For Fenerbahce, however, everything hinges on their final group game against Midtjylland.

 

The Road Ahead

 

Mourinho’s Fenerbahce face an uphill battle as they prepare for their critical clash against FC Midtjylland. A win would secure their place in the next round, while a draw or loss could leave their fate in the hands of other results. With their squad stretched to its limits, the Turkish side will need to summon all their resilience and determination to navigate this challenging situation.

 

As Mourinho himself put it, “We will go with 11 players—I don’t think we will have many more—but I’m hopeful that we can do it.” Should Fenerbahce manage to progress, they could emerge as a much stronger force in the knockout stages, bolstered by returning players and new signings.

 

For now, all eyes will be on January 30, when Fenerbahce’s Europa League destiny will be decided. One thing is certain: with Mourinho at the helm, the Turkish giants will not go down without a fight.