After greater than a decade and not using a Süper Lig crown, Fenerbahçe is gearing up for a decisive season underneath the course of Jose Mourinho.
The membership begins its pre-season on July 8 on the Can Bartu Training Facilities, eyeing a return to home dominance and continental relevance following a marketing campaign that yielded 92 factors however no silverware.
The opening part of coaching follows medical examinations at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, the place gamers will endure cardiovascular, orthopedic and health checks after a short summer season break.
With Mourinho overseeing double periods in Istanbul, the main focus will likely be on restoring bodily situation, tactical readability and unity.
Veterans like Sofyan Amrabat and Dusan Tadic are anticipated to guide preparations for a squad aiming to unseat defending champions Galatasaray.
On July 14, Fenerbahçe departs for the Algarve area of Portugal, the place the second part of their pre-season will unfold over a 13-day camp.
The Portuguese local weather and top-tier services present the backdrop for 4 key friendlies that may measure the crew’s depth and tactical evolution.
The first, in opposition to mid-table Portuguese outfit Portimonense, will problem Fenerbahçe’s potential to dismantle structured defenses.
A second take a look at follows in opposition to Uniao de Leiria, a lower-division aspect with a repute for nurturing younger expertise.
The third match, in opposition to Saudi champions Al Ittihad, brings excessive stakes and star energy, with the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante providing a stern examination of Fenerbahçe’s defensive group.
The camp concludes with a marquee conflict in opposition to Benfica at Estadio da Luz – an encounter anticipated to simulate Champions League-level depth.
Returning to Istanbul on July 27, Mourinho’s squad will finalize preparations forward of the Süper Lig opener with tactical refinements and late arrivals rejoining from worldwide obligation.
The remaining pleasant, scheduled for July 30 in opposition to Lazio at Ülker Stadium, will function each a technical take a look at and a public showcase.
Lazio, who completed sixth in Serie A underneath new supervisor Marco Baroni, brings a mode and tempo that may push Fenerbahçe’s midfield and backline to the restrict.
The match is anticipated to attract over 47,000 followers, with tickets starting from TL 150 ($3.75) to TL 500 ($12.5), in line with studies from Fanatik.
Fenerbahçe’s squad enters the season strengthened by notable signings.
Sofyan Amrabat, secured on a everlasting 15 million euros ($17.6 million) deal from Fiorentina, is about to anchor the midfield.
Tadic stays the inventive engine, although his age might even see elevated rotation with Sebastian Szymanski.
The membership’s youth motion continues with promising skills like 18-year-old Zeki Dursun.
Injuries will likely be monitored carefully throughout the opening days, notably within the case of Bright Osayi-Samuel, who missed Euro 2024.
Mourinho and his workers are additionally targeted on reinforcing transitions and set items, each of which had been uncovered in key defeats to archrivals Galatasaray final season.
The teaching crew, together with assistant Zeki Murat Göle and health coach Kostas Theodoropoulos, will prioritize conditioning and restoration, whereas goalkeeping coach Şenol Ustaömer continues his work with Dominik Livakovic, who posted 12 clear sheets final season.
This season arrives at a essential juncture for the membership and its management.
Club president Ali Koç, looking for re-election in September, faces rising strain from supporters and potential challengers reminiscent of Sadettin Saran.
Although Koç has decreased the membership’s debt to 307 million euros and approved a 75 million euro switch funds, frustration over missed trophies stays excessive.
The Lazio pleasant will serve not solely as a barometer for tactical progress but additionally as a referendum on the temper in Kadıköy.
After a 2024-2025 season marked by excessive expectations and near-misses, together with a Süper Lig silver and a Turkish Cup semifinal loss to Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe are decided to reset the narrative.
The membership has already secured a spot within the UEFA Champions League third qualifying spherical due to its second-place league end.
This summer season’s work, from the sweat of Samandıra to the warmth of Algarve, may outline what comes subsequent.
Source: www.dailysabah.com