Jose Mourinho defended himself as the “opposite” of a racist who followed the series over the comments he made after the Istanbul derby.
Mourinho gave a domestic ban on four games, which was then half-reduced for Fenerbahce’s 0-0 draw with Galatasaray last month.
Former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter and Manchester United have said the bench Galatasaray had “jumped like monkeys” in an obvious attempt to send defender Yusuf Akcicek.
But speaking in front of the Europa League of Fenerbahce Last-16 with Rangers, Mourinho expressed his view that the racism claims made by Galatasaray brought them to them.
“They were not smart in the way they attacked me because they didn’t know my past,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“They did not know my relationships with Africa, with African and African players and African charities.
“So, instead of going against me. I think he came in and went against them.
‘They were not smart in the way they attacked me’
Jose Mourinho speaks for the first time about racism claims against him by Galatasaray. pic.twitter.com/4xrful5Wro
– Sky Sports News (@skysportsnews) March 6 2025
“Everyone knows who I am as a person. Everyone knows my bad qualities, but this is not one of my bad qualities. Just the opposite.
“The most important thing is that I know who I am and the attack that blames racism was a bad choice.”
Mourinho benefited from support from former players such as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.
“Probably even from people who don’t like support was there,” Mourinho added.
“Thanks to people who had no problem talking (out), especially my boys, my former players. It was a very important voice.”
In his suspension, Mourinho made it clear what he sees as the reason for his reduction.
“On the day my ban was decided to come to public eyes that the head of the Disciplinary Committee is celebrating friends with a Galatasaray shirt,” he explained. “Only here you can understand his dimension.”
🏆 #Uel Round 16, 1st foot
🆚 Rangers FC
🗓 tomorrow
🇹🇷 8.45pm (GMT+3)
🇪🇺 6.45mm (CET)
📍 @ulkerstadyumu
📲 #Uel #Fbvrfc pic.twitter.com/zg7p7jfbob– Fenerbahce English (@Fenerbahce_en) March 5 2025
If Fenerbahce overcomes the Rangers, their journey to the possible Europa League glory could see them face three of the former Mourinho teams.
Roma will do the last eight if Serie A will beat the Bilbao sports, while Manchester United and Tottenham could wait in the semifinals and the final.
The Europa League Triumph is United’s latest hope to save a miserable season, a set on a fan fan background in cost cutting measures made by minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe.
Asked about United’s out -of -field issues, Mourinho warmly spoke from Ratcliffe.
“To be honest I don’t know much about what’s going on,” said Mourinho of the club’s financial decisions.
“I know Sir Jim Ratcliffe. I’m not saying we are big friends. But we have a good relationship.
“I know him well. He called me to his house sometimes. I see him as a good person and a great businessman.
“Of course, I feel about some of the people I know (losing their jobs), but I hope it goes in the right direction.”
