Mourinho Defends Van Bronckhorst After Shock Firing, Cries Foul on Turkish Media
Fenerbahçe Coach Worried Same Fate Be Falls Him Amidst Fierce Criticism
Following a 3-1 victory against Gaziantep FK on Monday, José Mourinho, Fenerbahçe’s manager, surprised many by using his post-match press conference to defend recently ousted Besiktas coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Mourinho argued that the Turkish media had unfairly targeted Van Bronckhorst, ultimately contributing to his dismissal.
“You still keep criticizing me,” Mourinho stated during the tense press conference. “Give me some credit and give me time. Don’t do to me the same thing that happened to Giovanni van Bronckhorst.”
Mourinho’s comments suggested a growing discomfort with the level of scrutiny he faces in Turkey, where Fenerbahçe, trailing Galatasaray by three points in the league standings, are also struggling in the Europa League. They currently sit in fifteenth place after losing crucial points against both AZ Alkmaar and Dutch club FC Twente.
The Portuguese manager openly questioned the impatience displayed towards coaches in the Turkish Super Lig, stating, “A coach cannot perform miracles in two, three, or four months. Van Bronckhorst did well; a club needs stability.”
Mourinho, known for his outspoken nature, then shifted his focus back to himself, but his underlying message remained the same.
“So give me time and space to work quietly. Although I must say that I always enjoy it, even when that peace is not there,” he continued.
Mourinho’s blunt remarks come at a particularly delicate time for Fenerbache. The Istanbul club face a crucial derby match against Besiktas next weekend, offering Mourinho a chance to prove his doubters wrong and solidify his position within the club.
In defending Van Bronckhorst and simultaneously voicing his concerns, Mourinho has raised eyebrows and ignited a debate about the intense pressure coaches face in the Turkish league. Time will tell if his gamble pays off and whether the Turkish media will heed his message.
What specific criticisms did the Turkish press level against Van Bronckhorst during his time at Besiktas?
## Mourinho Defends Van Bronckhorst: Is Turkish Press Too Harsh?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is football journalist, Tom Miller, to discuss the surprising comments made by José Mourinho following Fenerbahçe’s victory over Gaziantep FK.
Tom, Mourinho came to the defense of recently sacked Besiktas coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst, going so far as to accuse the Turkish media of unfair treatment. What’s your take on this?
**Tom Miller:** Well, it certainly raised eyebrows. Mourinho is known for his outspoken nature, but defending a rival coach, especially one who was just fired, is unusual. [[1](https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6337719/mourinho-in-de-bres-voor-ontslagen-van-bronckhorst-doe-mij-niet-hetzelfde-aan.html)]suggests Mourinho believes the Turkish press was overly critical of Van Bronckhorst, contributing to his dismissal.
**Host:** Do you think there’s truth to that? Is the Turkish football media notoriously harsh?
**Tom Miller:** There’s definitely a passionate football culture in Turkey, and the media reflects that. They’re not afraid to voice strong opinions and hold managers accountable. But whether it’s ”unfair” is subjective. Van Bronckhorst’s Besiktas had a difficult start to the season, so perhaps some criticism was warranted.
**Host:** Mourinho himself has faced intense scrutiny throughout his career. Does he fear the same fate could befall him at Fenerbahçe, given his comments?
**Tom Miller:** Absolutely. Mourinho mentioned he doesn’t want to be treated the same way. [[1](https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6337719/mourinho-in-de-bres-voor-ontslagen-van-bronckhorst-doe-mij-niet-hetzelfde-aan.html)]suggests he’s conscious of the pressure cooker environment and perhaps even sees himself as the next target. It’s a bold move to criticize the media so openly, but Mourinho is known for playing the mind games.
**Host:** Interesting point. Thank you for providing your insights, Tom. This will certainly be a story to watch as the season unfolds.
