Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe Knocked Out of Champions League Qualification by Lille

Jose Mourinho has been the protagonist of European football for the better part of the last two decades. During this time period, he has amassed a resume which very few managers can rival.

However, for the third season in a row, fans will miss seeing a Mourinho-led team in the UEFA Champions League, following Fenerbahce's defeat to Lille in the qualification round. Fenerbahce sent shockwaves throughout Turkish football when they announced Jose Mourinho as their manager in June. The long-suffering fans of the Turkish giants felt that the 61-year-old coach could be their messiah. However, the start of Mourinho’s tenure in Turkey has been rocky. And their Champions League qualifying debacle has further added to the disappointment. 

Going into the second leg, Lille held a very narrow 2-1 advantage. As a result, the game was a very tight and cagey affair. However, Mourinho’s men grabbed a 91st-minute lead thanks to an own goal by Lille defender, Bafode Diakite. The game went to extra time, with both teams looking to seal a spot in the Champions League. Lille defender Aissa Mandi was handed a straight red card in the 109th minute, handing Fenerbahce a man advantage. 

However, the Turkish giants couldn’t capitalize on that advantage, as Lille were handed a late penalty, following a lengthy VAR review. Jonathan David stepped up and coolly slotted in the penalty to hand Lille a 2-1 lead in the 118th minute. Lille will now face Slavia Praha in the next round. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will now play the 2024/25 season in the Europa League. 

Mourinho’s post-match reaction 

Following Fenerbahce’s early exit from the Champions League, Mourinho came up with a take that has surprised most fans. He stated that even if Fenerbahce qualified for the Champions League, they would never win the cup. In a post-match conference, he said, “We lose economically because the Champions League obviously is an important boost to the club and we lose the chance to play against the biggest teams in the world,” Mourinho said. “But we would never win the Champions League. We would never reach the Champions League final. Never.” 

The 61-year-old Portuguese tactician further added by repeating one of his most iconic lines. He said, “But we go to Europa League and in Europa League if… if… I don’t want to say the rest. I prefer to stay on the ifs. But if we can do a great Europa League. If, if, if. But we can do a great Europa League with if. I can’t speak more than the if. If not I am in trouble.”  

The group stage draws of the UEFA Europa League will be announced on 30th August. So, Fenerbahce fans will have to wait another fortnight to find out about their Europa League opponents. 

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