The fireplace nonetheless burns in Jose Mourinho’s eyes – and so does the strain.
Ten years have handed because the self-proclaimed “Special One” final hoisted a league title, however the 61-year-old is now deep within the trenches of one in all Europe’s fiercest soccer races, hoping so as to add a Turkish Süper Lig crown to his embellished resume.
Hired by Fenerbahçe final June, Mourinho was tasked with ending the Istanbul big’s decade-long title drought – and snapping a fair longer 17-year absence from the Champions League group stage.
With simply weeks left within the season, Fenerbahçe are nonetheless chasing archrival Galatasaray, trailing by three factors.
Galatasaray’s shock 2-1 derby loss to Beşiktaş cracked the door open.
For Mourinho, who boasts league titles in England, Italy, Spain and Portugal, profitable in Türkiye would imply turning into champion in a fifth nation – an achievement few, if any, fashionable coaches can declare.
Fenerbahçe have been quietly constant, shedding simply twice all season: away to Beşiktaş and at residence to Galatasaray in September.
But the latest Turkish Cup exit – once more to Galatasaray – sparked fireworks.
The match turned chaotic, with Mourinho grabbing Okan Buruk’s nostril in a post-match spat that stole headlines.
Mourinho, ever the provocateur, discovered himself on the heart of a storm.
Galatasaray’s vice chairman known as for sanctions; followers and pundits debated whether or not Mourinho’s antics crossed the road or just added gas to a raging rivalry.
Following the fiery derby, the Special One will now watch from the sidelines.
The Turkish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) slapped Fenerbahçe with heavy sanctions, handing Mourinho a three-match suspension – barring him from the bench and dressing room – for his “unsporting conduct.”
Mourinho was additionally fined TL 292,500 ($7,700).
Midfielder Fred and Mert Hakan Yandaş have been every hit with three-match bans, because the fallout from the Turkish Cup conflict continues to rock the Yellow Canaries.
On the sector, nonetheless, Mourinho’s males stay a drive.
Strikers Youssef En-Nesyri and Edin Dzeko are combining for over a purpose per recreation, whereas midfield dynamo Sebastian Szymanski has discovered the web in three straight video games.
But with simply 9 rounds left, even perfection may not be sufficient except Galatasaray stumbles once more.
Only the league champion secures a direct ticket to the following Champions League marketing campaign – making each level crucial.
Europe roars
Elsewhere in Europe, different tales unfold, however none carry Mourinho’s distinctive mixture of legacy, drama, and desperation.
In Portugal, Viktor Gyokeres is firing Sporting Lisbon’s title cost, having bagged a continent-leading 30 league objectives.
His relentless type – highlighted by a Champions League hat trick towards Manchester City – has stored Sporting forward of Benfica by the slimmest of margins.
The two meet on May 10 in what could possibly be a title-deciding conflict.
In the Netherlands, Ajax have undergone a renaissance underneath 35-year-old Italian coach Francesco Farioli.
After final season’s humiliating fifth-place end and entrance workplace chaos, the Amsterdam membership has surged to the highest, conceding simply 20 objectives all 12 months. Teenage defender Jorrel Hato has emerged as a standout within the again line.
Further east, Red Star Belgrade are demolishing the Serbian league, unbeaten in 29 matches and boasting a purpose distinction of 82.
In Switzerland, reigning champions Young Boys are clawing again from early-season turmoil, now within the thick of a six-team title race.
Belgium’s Genk, Croatia’s Hajduk Split, and Poland’s Rakow Czestochowa are all battling via fierce three-way races.
Even exterior Europe’s high 5 leagues, the end strains are laced with pressure, alternative and glory.
Source: www.dailysabah.com