Jose Mourinho Set to Axe Fenerbahce Star After Champions League Exit
Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to wield the axe on a Fenerbahce player after the Turkish outfit’s disappointing Champions League exit. The Portuguese manager has already brought in a host of new signings, including Allan Saint-Maximin and Youssef En-Nesyri, but one player is set to be shown the door.
According to reports, 32-year-old Joao Pedro has been excluded from the first-team environment and is currently on leave. The Brazilian midfielder signed for Fenerbahce in 2022 but spent last season back home with Gremio. His contract runs until 2025, but Mourinho is said to be keen to terminate the deal.
Pedro is reportedly demanding his €3 million salary be paid, but it’s unclear whether Fenerbahce will meet his demands. The player’s agent has been in talks with the club, but a resolution has yet to be reached.
Mourinho’s decision to axe Pedro comes after Fenerbahce’s early exit from the Champions League. The team lost to Lille 3-2 over two legs and will now drop down to the Europa League. Despite the disappointment, Mourinho believes the Europa League is a better competition for Fenerbahce at this stage.
The Portuguese manager has also expressed his frustration with the new Europa League format, which he believes is confusing and unfair. "You play eight matches, four at home, four away," Mourinho said. "Against some opponents you only play at home, against some opponents, you only play away. It’s strange, but it is what it is. I think money makes decisions and we have to adapt to it."
Mourinho is known for his ruthless approach to management, and it’s no surprise that he’s willing to make tough decisions to strengthen his squad. Fenerbahce fans will be hoping that the Portuguese manager can lead the team to success in the Europa League, but for now, it seems that Pedro’s time at the club is coming to an end.
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