Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho said on Wednesday he did not attend the post-match press conference after Saturday's 3-1 Istanbul derby loss to Galatasaray because he “felt disrespected” by having to wait more than an hour to speak to reporters.
The defeat was Fenerbahce's first in the Super Lig this season and left them five points behind Galatasaray. However, Mourinho insisted his absence had nothing to do with the result.
“In 24 years of football, I have never in my life run away from a press conference, especially after a defeat,” said Mourinho, who took charge of Fenerbahce in June.
“I was never afraid of any journalist, any question or any press conference. So [it] “I wouldn't be with you if I were going to change my way of being.”
Mourinho said he shook hands with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk after the match and proceeded to do the quick interview shortly afterwards.
However, he said there was “no logic” in waiting so long to take his turn at the post-match conference, adding that he even waited at the gate but was not allowed in.
“It has nothing to do with the result, it has nothing to do with anything. It's just about something that's right or not right,” Mourinho said. “You finish the game, you go on the pitch. And then you wait 15 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour. And the visiting coach leaves.”
“Seventy minutes, I'm sorry, but it's disrespectful. So if anyone felt disrespected, it's me.”
Following the result, Galatasaray posted on their official X account a photoshopped image of a book titled “The One Who Cries”, featuring a picture of Mourinho (who described himself as a “Special One” during his first spell at Chelsea) looking sad on the cover with the caption: “On sale in shops around Kadıköy”.
