Jose Mourinho recreates ICONIC ‘if I speak’ press conference after getting knocked out of the Champions League weeks after taking Fenerbahce job

After Fenerbahce's UCL exit, Jose Mourinho repeated his iconic "if I speak" line, subtly criticizing the refereeing in their loss to Lille.

Jose Mourinho recreates ICONIC ‘if I speak’ press conference after getting knocked out of the Champions League weeks after taking Fenerbahce job

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho spoke out following the club's UCL exit. (via Turkiye Today)

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, following the club getting knocked out of the UCL, echoed his iconic ‘if I speak’ lines during the post-match press conference. The Portuguese coach subtly criticized the refereeing decisions in their loss to Lille.

Jose Mourinho, who was recently appointed as the Turkish club’s manager, following his ouster from Roma, faced his first setback of the season. Fenerbahce will now compete in the Europa League for the 2024-25 season, having missed out on UCL group stage qualification. They were beaten 3-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round, with Lille’s winner coming from the controversial 118th minute penalty.

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The penalty decision led to the ex-Chelsea boss criticizing the referring standards, while expressing his frustration following Fenerbahce’s elimination. The 61-year-old coach questioned the contentious penalty, comparing it to past incidents. Mourinho humorously added that he would rather not “speak” about it, using the prefix ‘if’ to avoid further trouble. Moreover, he also emphasized that consistent refereeing standards are crucial for ensuring fair competition.

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We can do very well in the Europa League, but if... I prefer not to continue with this sentence. Because if I say it, I will get into trouble. It's better not to talk about the penalty.
Jose Mourinho on Fenerbahce’s UCL exit (via BBC)

Additionally, while discussing the term ‘if’, Mourinho referenced Roma’s 2023 UEL final loss to Sevilla, where he angrily confronted referee Anthony Taylor after the match. He also noted that the interview was reminiscent of a similar one he gave while managing Chelsea in 2014.

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Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho opens up about his thoughts on new UCL and UEL formats

Legendary manager and newly appointed Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho recently shared his thoughts on the new UCL and UEL formats after his team’s 3-2 loss to Lille. With Fenerbahce now out of the UCL, they will ply their trade in the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho UCL UEL new format
Jose Mourinho criticized the new UCL and UEL formats. (via The Sun)

Both the competitions will be played in a new format, as all teams will play four home and away matches before making it to the play-offs. The old group-stage format has been scrapped. Mourinho questioned the reason behind these changes, while suggesting that financial motives could be the primary driving force.

I don't even know the reason why the Europa League is going to be this way. Same as Champions. It's strange, but it is what it is. I think money makes decisions and we have to adapt to it.
Jose Mourinho on the new UCL and UEL formats (via Goal)

Furthermore, there are significant concerns about the competitiveness of Europe’s premier club tournament next season. It’s uncertain whether the new format will be embraced by clubs and fans.

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