Domenico Tedesco Replaces Jose Mourinho as Fenerbahce Manager

Fenerbahce appoints Domenico Tedesco

Domenico Tedesco has been appointed as the new manager of Fenerbahce, replacing Jose Mourinho. Read more.

Domenico Tedesco has officially replaced Jose Mourinho as the manager of Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, signing a two-year contract with the Istanbul club. Fenerbahce announced the news on X, revealing that Tedesco will be assisted by former team captain Gokhan Gonul, a defensive stalwart for the team from 2007 to 2016.

At just 39 years old, Tedesco brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously managed top-tier teams like Schalke, Spartak Moscow, and RB Leipzig, where he won two German Cups. Tedesco also had a stint as the coach of Belgium from February 2023 until his sacking in January 2025.

Jose Mourinho's departure came after Fenerbahce failed to secure a spot in the lucrative Champions League league phase, losing to Benfica in the qualification playoffs. Despite leading the team to second place in the league last season, Mourinho couldn't end the club's title drought, which has lasted since 2014. Tedesco's primary mission will be to bring the Turkish Super Lig title back to Fenerbahce.

 

Tedesco becomes the tenth manager of Fenerbahce in the last five years, highlighting the club's instability in leadership. With his German coaching style, fans are hoping for a fresh approach that will bring success. Tedesco's task is clear: end the title drought and restore Fenerbahce's dominance in Turkish football.

José Mourinho was let go on August 29 after his team failed to secure a spot in the Champions League league phase, losing to Benfica in the qualification playoffs. This move comes after a disappointing performance, despite high expectations when the 62-year-old Portuguese coach arrived in Istanbul 14 months prior.

Upon taking the helm, Mourinho had set his sights on winning the Turkish Super Lig, stating, “No promises. But it is obvious that the main target, the main dream is to win the Turkish Super Lig.” As a two-time Champions League-winning coach, the pressure to deliver was palpable. His dismissal marks the end of an era, and the club will now look to find a new leader to take them to the top.

📸 Yeni Teknik Direktörümüz Domenico Tedesco İstanbul’da pic.twitter.com/FEKKzwPdSB

— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) September 9, 2025

Despite his impressive resume, Jose Mourinho couldn't bring the Turkish Super Lig title to Fenerbahce, ending the 19-time league champions' drought that has lasted since 2014. Last season, Mourinho led Fenerbahce to second place, trailing behind Galatasaray, their fierce rivals. With 37 wins in 62 matches, Mourinho's tenure was marked by controversy and notable performances.

Mourinho's exit came after Fenerbahce's failure to qualify for the Champions League, losing to Benfica in the playoff stage. The club's president, Ali Koc, stated that the decision to part ways was due to Mourinho's defensive style, which didn't meet the team's expectations. Koc emphasized the need for a more dominant playing style, citing Fenerbahce's genetic code of scoring 99 goals and earning 99 points. Mourinho's departure has paved the way for a new manager to take the helm and potentially change the team's dynamics.