Mourinho Leaves Fenerbahce Facing €747k Four Seasons Hotel Bill

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho’s Istanbul stay has ended not only in disappointment on the pitch but also with a staggering hotel bill that has left the Turkish club reeling.

Jose Mourinho’s Luxury Living in Istanbul

Jose Mourinho, during his 15-month tenure at Fenerbahce, opted to reside in the lavish Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul rather than securing a permanent home. This decision has resulted in a headline-grabbing expense for the club—reportedly 36.5 million Turkish liras (approximately €747,000 or £656,000)—which covered his extended stay in one of the hotel’s most exclusive suites. The property, known for its opulence, offers five restaurants, two swimming pools, a deluxe fitness center, and a spa. The cheapest rooms start at roughly £1,000 per night, making Mourinho’s prolonged residence a costly affair.

Disappointing Results and Mourinho’s Early Exit

Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in June 2024 with high expectations, bringing his reputation as a serial winner from previous stints at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United, and Roma. However, the “Special One” managed just 62 matches before being dismissed following a failure to qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League, with his final game a play-off defeat to Benfica.

Throughout his spell in Turkey, Mourinho frequently expressed his frustrations, especially with refereeing standards and his general fit with the club. Reflecting on his exit, Mourinho admitted, “I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce; it wasn’t my cultural level, it wasn’t my football level, it wasn’t my level. Obviously, I gave everything until the last day.”

Fenerbahce’s Response and the Aftermath of Mourinho’s Departure

The fallout from Mourinho’s departure is significant, with Fenerbahce now grappling with how to handle the considerable cost of his luxury accommodation. The club’s former president, Ali Koc, addressed the decision to part ways, citing stylistic differences and a need for more dominant performances in the Turkish Super Lig. Koc highlighted Mourinho’s defensive tactics and noted that, despite the manager’s decorated history, the football simply wasn’t meeting the club’s ambitions.

“Being eliminated by Benfica wasn’t a problem, but the way we were eliminated was unacceptable. We believed this squad could play better football. This kind of football works in Europe, but in Turkey, we must dominate,” Koc explained.

Unmet Expectations and Mourinho’s Perspective

After leaving Turkey, Mourinho quickly returned to management with Benfica, yet his start in Lisbon has been far from smooth. With only six wins from 12 fixtures and three defeats, questions about his adaptability and future persist. Mourinho, meanwhile, has suggested that recruitment issues at Fenerbahce hampered his plans, claiming, “I wanted to play with four defenders, but the club had seven central defenders and only one winger. I adapt very well to what’s available.”

What Lies Ahead for Mourinho and Fenerbahce?

Now at Benfica, Mourinho faces new challenges as he seeks to restore his reputation after the difficulties in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce must address both on-field performance and the unexpected financial burden of their ex-manager’s Four Seasons bill. The story underlines the risks involved when marquee signings off the pitch don’t yield the desired results on it.

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Opinion: A Costly Gamble That Backfired

Mourinho’s high-profile appointment was a gamble that simply didn’t pay off for Fenerbahce—both in terms of results and finances. The extraordinary hotel expense is symbolic of the disconnect between the club’s expectations and the reality. Elite managers can bring glamour and global attention, but as Fenerbahce learned, without the right fit and support, even the most decorated coach can leave more questions than answers.