Mourinho’s Fenerbahce to continue in ‘difficult conditions’ thanks to Nigeria’s Osayi-Samuel

José Mourinho and Fenerbahce find themselves on the brink of elimination from the UEFA Europa League, with the Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel’s latest booking compounding their troubles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Appointed as Fenerbahce’s head coach last summer, Mourinho — one of the most decorated managers of his generation — was tasked with restoring glory to the Istanbul club.

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The expectations are high, with Fenerbahce’s last Super Lig title coming in 2014. Despite finishing as runners-up in the past three seasons and lifting the Turkish Cup in 2023, the club’s European ambitions have remained elusive, with last season’s Europa Conference League exit in the quarterfinals at the hands of Olympiacos a painful reminder.

Fenerbahce: José Mourinho watches Bright Osayi-Osayi-Samuel from the sidelines Fenerbahce: José Mourinho watches Bright Osayi-Osayi-Samuel from the sidelines
V.l.n.r. Yanis Cimignani, FCL, Bright Osayi-Samuel, FB, Trainer Mattia Croci Torti, FCL, Trainer Josà Mourinho, FB, FC Lugano – Fenerbahce SK, Qualifikation Champions League. Photo by IMAGO

Mourinho’s arrival brought hope of silverware, but Fenerbahce’s results halfway through the 2024-2025 campaign suggest otherwise. They trail Super Lig champions Galatasaray by six points and are now in a precarious position in the Europa League.

A goalless draw at home against Lyon on Thursday leaves Fenerbahce needing at least a point in their final group-stage game against Danish side FC Midtjylland. However, a victory is the only sure path to progress for Mourinho’s men, who boasts a meagre eight points from seven games.

The task has been made more daunting with the confirmed absences of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Morocco’s Soufiane Amrabat, both sidelined due to yellow card suspensions after their bookings against Lyon—Osayi-Samuel in the 87th minute and Amrabat in the 72nd.

Coach Jose Mourinho and Bright Osayi Samuel of Fenerbahce during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Fenerbahce SK and Olympique Lyonnais at on January 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

Mourinho acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying:

“I think nine points will be enough to advance, but we are going to Denmark to win.

The difficult conditions will continue because Bright and Amrabat will not be available. If we can advance, we’ll be a very different team in the next round. We need to fight and get the points to move forward.”

V.l.n.r. Bright Osayi-Samuel, FB, Yanis Cimignani, FCL, Trainer Mattia Croci Torti, FCL, Trainer Josà Mourinho, FB, FC Lugano – Fenerbahce SK, Qualifikation Champions League. Photo by IMAGO

Osayi-Samuel, despite being in the final six months of his contract, has remained a key figure in Mourinho’s plans as a reliable right-back option. His absence, alongside Amrabat’s, puts Fenerbahce under significant pressure as they look to salvage their European campaign on January 30th.

This post was last modified on January 24, 2025 2:25 pm

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad. From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.

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