Jose Mourinho makes brutal 'I forget about Tottenham' dig after learning Fenerbahce's Champions League fate

The Portuguese manager was addressing questions from the media regarding Fenerbahce's journey in the qualification rounds of the Champions League 2024-25 season when he subtly took a dig at his former employers. Fenerbahce learned their potential fate for the play-off round of qualifying when the draw was made on Monday, with a clash against Slavia Prague or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on the cards if they can get past Lille in their third-round tie.

Mourinho managed Spurs for 18 months before being unceremoniously sacked on the eve of the League Cup final against Manchester City in 2021. The legendary coach was in charge for 86 matches across all competitions at the north London club, out of which he won 44.

Speaking to reporters, the 61-year-old said: "This is not the first time for me, it is the second time. I sometimes forget about Tottenham, that I played with them in the qualifiers. This is the second time this has happened to me, but it's the first time I'm starting the season in a summer month when there is a European Championship and a World Cup.

"This makes our job twice as difficult. It is difficult because you are playing official matches and the players from the European Championship return to the team in different periods. We have now carried out 40 training sessions, maybe we were able to work as a full squad in a maximum of ten. They joined the team step by step, which made our job difficult. But this is the situation we are in."

He added: "I don't like making excuses, I always prefer to concentrate on the next match. Tomorrow, our team and the players will be better off except for Fred's absence. We are motivated for this match. Sometimes they ask, 'What is your motivation for the season, being in the Champions League or winning the league?' I always say the same thing: 'My motivation is always the next match.'"

The Turkish giants will next be seen in action on Tuesday night as they take on Ligue 1 side Lille in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.