Mourinho: Absent from Press Conference Because I Felt Disrespected—Why Should I Wait for Minutes

In the sixth round of the Turkish Super League, Fenerbahçe, led by José Mourinho, suffered their first league defeat of the new season with a 1-3 loss to Galatasaray. After the match, Mourinho skipped the post-match press conference and was fined 4000 euros by the Turkish Football Federation. Following the completion of the Turkish Super League match against Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe is now focusing on preparing for their Europa League match against Union Saint-Gilloise. Before the Europa League match, when Mourinho attended the pre-match press conference, he specifically addressed the issue of being penalized for missing the post-match press conference after the Turkish Super League game.

Mourinho stated, “Looking back at my coaching career, I have never intended to avoid attending press conferences, especially after losing a match. I have never been afraid of any journalist, any question, or any press conference. After the match against Galatasaray, I first congratulated the opposing team on their victory, then went to the interview area for the routine interview. Then I prepared to attend the post-match press conference. I wanted to go in, but I wasn’t allowed. I was asked to wait for 75 minutes, which was completely illogical. I tried to leave but was not permitted. So this matter has nothing to do with the result of the match, nor does it have anything to do with anything else; it’s simply about what is right and what is wrong.”

Mourinho then added, “I am really sorry for not attending the press conference. But what happened was truly disrespectful. If anyone felt disrespected, that person was clearly me.”

After six rounds of the Turkish Super League this season, Fenerbahçe stands second in the league table with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and one loss, trailing leaders Galatasaray by five points. On September 27 at 00:45, in the first round of the Europa League stage, Fenerbahçe will host Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise at home.