Mourinho says his move to Fenerbahce will increase attention on Turkish league

Newly announced Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho said on Monday that his signing and reputation would bring more attention to the Turkish league, adding that his aim was to win the Super Lig and make it to the Champions League group stage next season.

Mourinho, 61, was unveiled as Fenerbahce manager in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans on Sunday. The Portuguese manager had been out of a job since being sacked by Italian Serie A side AS Roma in January.

Speaking at a press conference at Fenerbahce’s facilities in Istanbul, Mourinho said he was making “zero promises” apart from “huge commitment and passion, and work and empathy”, adding that his ambition in coming to Turkey was “to feel the heat”.

“One of the things is, I bring attention in with me. More people in Europe will follow the Turkish league,” Mourinho said. “I’m coming to work for Turkish football, for Turkish Super Lig. But fundamentally I come for Fenerbahce.

“My wish is that Turkish football improves at every level. But if I have to raise my voice to defend Fenerbahce I will not think twice,” he added, in an apparent reference to the club’s complaints over what it calls unfairness.