Jose Mourinho, speaking at a press conference on Monday watched by more than 80,000 people online, said he dreams of winning the Turkish Super League with his new club Fenerbahce but “I’m not making any promises.”
Mourinho made the remarks at Fenerbahce headquarters after being appointed manager of the Istanbul-based club on Sunday.
“I can’t make any promises, but it’s clear that my main goal, my main dream, is to win the Turkish Super League,” the 61-year-old said.
Fenerbahce missed out on the league title last season by three points to arch rivals Galatasaray, despite collecting a total of 99 points from 38 games.
The club last won the league back in 2014.
“But if we take it step by step we will be able to qualify for the new Champions League,” added Mourinho, who will be tasked with guiding Fenerbahce to the second qualifying round before an expanded version of European football’s premier competition kicks off next season.
Mourinho has won five European titles, including two Champions League titles, during his managerial career with Inter Milan, Porto, Manchester United and Roma.
“In Europe, people look at me and think I’ve been to six finals, but I’ve won five of them.
“People think big right away, but I think you have to take it one step at a time.”
The Portuguese player also confirmed that his contract with Fenerbahce will last for two years.
Mourinho announced his appointment at the Turkish club in a post on X on Saturday night from Wembley Stadium, where he was providing television commentary for the Champions League final.
“Good evening Fenerbahce fans. See you tomorrow in Kadikoy (the club’s home ground, just outside Istanbul) and let’s start the journey together,” posted the self-proclaimed “Special One.”
Mourinho was received by a huge crowd of Fenerbahce fans at the airport on Sunday and then presented to fans at the club’s stadium wearing the club’s yellow and black uniform and accompanied by club president Ali Koc.
Mourinho, who enjoyed great success with Chelsea and Real Madrid and lesser success with Manchester United and Tottenham, was sacked in January after two-and-a-half years as manager of Serie A side Roma, who were struggling in ninth place at the time.
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