Jose Mourinho: We can reach the final in the Europa League
Fenerbahçe manager Jose Mourinho, speaking after the match where they were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League following a defeat to Benfica, said, "If we were in the Champions League, we would probably have played 8 matches. However, we can reach the final in the Europa League."
İHA
In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Play-Off round, Fenerbahçe was defeated 1-0 away by Portuguese side Benfica.
With this result, the yellow-navy team's Champions League journey has come to an end, and they will continue their path in the UEFA Europa League. Manager Jose Mourinho made statements at the press conference held after the match.
The Portuguese coach said, "First of all, I think the stronger side won. In the first half, they were the much better side. We were not good, we lost too many duels and could not cope with their rhythm. They were the better side."
In the second half, we were the better side, but it was not enough. In the final period of the game, we created two chances. The headers from Talisca and En-Nesyri were very clear opportunities. After we were reduced to 10 men, they controlled the game, but to be honest, they deserved it with their performance in the first half."
In the second half, we showed a dignified stance and reacted. My players did their best. We played more offensively, we were more aggressive, we caused problems for the opponent, and they tried to draw fouls and waste time to finish the match that way. Because they felt that danger. Today, we lost against a really good, strong team," he stated.
Emphasizing that they would likely have played 8 matches if they were in the Champions League, Mourinho said, "However, we can reach the final in the Europa League."