Mourinho opens up the election crisis to Turkish TV pundits

Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has called on “experts” in the Turkish media to help solve his team’s left-back dilemma.

The Turkish side face a challenging situation with key left-back Jayden Oosterwolde out with injury and Mert Muldur unavailable after being sent off in their 2-0 defeat by Athletic Club on Wednesday.

Fenerbahce, who are currently competing for domestic and European success, have had a mixed campaign in the Europa League with two wins and two losses from six matches.

They are also gunning for their first Super League title since 2014, although a recent 1-0 loss to Besiktas ended their five-game winning streak and left them six points behind leaders Galatasaray.

Mourinho has not held back in expressing his frustrations with the challenges of injury and suspension.

He said: “If you look at our next (Europa League) game against Olympique Lyon, Muldur is suspended, who will play at left-back?

FT | Fenerbahçe 0-2 Athletic Club pic.twitter.com/DTew0WBq4i

— Fenerbahce English (@Fenerbahce_EN) December 11, 2024

“If one of you can help me, if one of the TV experts can help me. Who will play left back?

“Sometimes you (the media) look at things without knowing the reality of things very well.

“I don’t know because unfortunately I can only say a few words in Turkish, if we as a club give you the right information to understand the situation.

“I would like to have all my players available. You see how difficult it is for us. We didn’t have a single midfielder on the bench (against Athletic).”

When asked if the upcoming transfer window could bring reinforcements, Mourinho dismissed any notion of dissatisfaction with his current squad.

“I am satisfied with my players. I don’t throw my players under the bus. “Don’t expect me to come here and tell you that I would like to have better players,” he said.

However, Mourinho acknowledged the impact of Oosterwolde’s absence, saying: “I would like to have Jayden Oosterwolde available because it is very difficult for us (without him).

“But don’t worry, we will qualify (for the Europa League). We have two games left to reach three points and we will achieve that. We will be stronger in the second part of the season.”