Mourinho to endure unhappy Christmas as Fenerbahce lose ground on Galatasaray

Jose Mourinho said he will endure an unhappy Christmas after Fenerbahce lost further ground on Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray on Friday.

Fenerbahce came from behind to draw 1-1 with Eyupspor in their final game before the winter break, with Youssef En-Nesyri cancelling out Ahmed Kutucu’s opener.

That result means leaders Galatasaray could stretch their lead over their fierce rivals to eight points when they visit Kayserispor on Saturday.

Following a run of five straight wins between November and December, Fenerbahce have only won one of their last four games in all competitions, drawing one and losing two.

Mourinho said he was reticent to even give his players time off amid their downturn, questioning their mentality.

“We will have a few days off, but it will not be a happy off period for me. How it will be for the players depends on their own mentality,” he said after Friday’s game.

“But it will not be a happy off period for me. Actually, I would prefer not to have this off period, but we promised the players long ago.

“Many players could not take more than 10 days off. Therefore, this was an important situation for them to rest.

“We will continue to work very hard in the second period of this two-week break. I want my players to believe in the pragmatism of football.

“What is that? It is mathematics. Mathematics determines where you will be. We have to fight mathematically regardless of the results of your other opponents.”

On Saturday, meanwhile, Turkish media reported Mourinho had left Turkiye to undergo routine surgery after suffering from a health condition.