José Mourinho has launched a fierce defence of his touchline behaviour during Fenerbahçe’s recent match, insisting that opposition coach Alessandro Prestiani “got what he deserved” and revealing he was ready to mimic the home fans in a heated exchange.
The Portuguese manager was involved in a tense confrontation during the game, which has sparked debate across Turkish football. Speaking after the final whistle, Mourinho did not hold back in his assessment of the incident.
“Prestiani got what he deserved,” Mourinho said. “I reacted to what happened on the touchline. If the fans were going to do something, I was ready to mimic them. That is who I am.”
The flashpoint occurred in the second half, with Mourinho taking issue with what he perceived as provocation from the opposing technical area. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss made clear he felt his response was justified.
“I do not start these things, but I will always finish them,” he added. “The referee saw everything. I have no problem with that. My players know I stand with them.”
Fenerbahçe’s performance on the night was also a talking point. Mourinho acknowledged his side struggled in phases but praised their fighting spirit. “We did not play our best football, but we showed character. That matters in a long season,” he said.
The result keeps Fenerbahçe in the hunt for the title, though Mourinho admitted there is room for improvement. “We are not where we want to be yet, but we are getting there. Step by step,” he said.
When pressed on whether he regretted his actions, Mourinho was emphatic. “Regret? No. I am honest. I protect my team. If that means I get criticised, so be it.”
The incident is likely to be reviewed by the Turkish Football Federation, but Mourinho appeared unconcerned. “Let them look at it. I have nothing to hide,” he said.
Fenerbahçe now turn their attention to their next fixture, with Mourinho demanding more consistency from his squad. “We need to win, and we need to win well. That is the standard here,” he concluded.
