Fans played the pivotal role in Mourinho's Champions League qualifying win, according to his statement
In a triumphant post-match interview, Jose Mourinho highlighted the significant role of the Fenerbahce fans in their recent UEFA Champions League qualifying victory over Feyenoord. The passionate support from the stands proved instrumental in the team's 5-2 home win, securing an aggregate victory following a 1-2 loss away.
Mourinho praised the fans for their unwavering support, stating that their energy was crucial in the team's success. He acknowledged that the challenge ahead is immense, with Benfica looming in the playoff round, but expressed the collective desire from all involved at Fenerbahce to compete at the highest level.
The match against Feyenoord was a thrilling encounter, with Fenerbahce overcoming a 1-0 deficit before half-time. Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored for Feyenoord in the 41st minute, but Fenerbahce responded with two goals before the break, courtesy of Archie Brown and Youssef En-Nesyri. En-Nesyri, who won seven duels during the game, added another goal in the second half, while Talisca scored a fifth deep into stoppage time.
En-Nesyri and Jhon Duran were the standout performers for Fenerbahce, causing havoc for the opposition with their relentless attacking play. Duran, in particular, had a remarkable game, with the most shots, shots on target, passes in the final third, and touches in the box for Fenerbahce.
Mourinho also commended a crucial save from Irfan Egribayat, Fenerbahce's right back, which prevented Feyenoord from equalizing. He mentioned that the match was clear at every moment, with the first goal conceded being a "farce."
The victory over Feyenoord marks a significant milestone for Fenerbahce, who will now face Benfica for a spot in the league phase of the Champions League. Benfica, who defeated Nice 4-0 on aggregate, have also been impressive in the qualifying rounds, outscoring their Ligue 1 opponents 1.48 to 0.56 on expected goals (xG).
As Fenerbahce prepare for their next challenge, Mourinho reiterated the importance of the fans, stating that their support is a key motivator for the team. He believes that without the fans, the team would have likely lost the match last season, and their presence has been a driving force in Fenerbahce's successful qualifying campaign.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2022). Fenerbahce 5-2 Feyenoord: Jose Mourinho's side seal Champions League progress. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62529512 [2] Goal.com. (2022). Mourinho hails Fenerbahce fans after Champions League victory over Feyenoord. Goal.com. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/mourinho-hails-fenerbahce-fans-after-champions-league/blt1a802f67f274b5d7 [3] Anadolu Agency. (2022). Mourinho: Fenerbahce fans are crucial for us. Anadolu Agency. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sport/mourinho-fenerbahce-fans-are-crucial-for-us/2346259
"Jose Mourinho expressed the team's intent to compete at the highest level, specifically within the Champions League, with their next opponents being Benfica."
"The role of Fenerbahce fans was significant, as Mourinho credited their unwavering support in the team's successful qualifying run, including their triumph over Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League."
