José Mourinho’s nightmare: Fenerbahçe falls, faces fine and mockery

José Mourinho was once again in the headlines last Saturday, not for what he wants to. His Fenerbahçe painfully lost 3-1 to Galatasaray in the Turkish Super League-a defeat that also brought to light some of the issues Mourinho is going through presently in the country. As if this defeat was not enough, it was followed by a €4,000 fine for failing to attend the post-match press conference, an insult added to an injury.

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Classic defeat

Losing a derby is always tough, but this setback to Galatasaray goes beyond just dropping three points. Mourinho's team came onto the pitch knowing how important this match was both for the standings and for their pride. What materialized was a masterclass from Okan Buruk's Galatasaray, taking command of the game with a mix of individual brilliance and tactical discipline.

Early on, Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira benefited from the mistake of goalkeeper Livaković to put Galatasaray ahead. A coach who preaches defensive organization and balance at all costs, Mourinho saw his side go down in a harsh moment of truth. The lead was doubled shortly, this time through forward Dries Mertens of Belgium, underlining precisely how razor-sharp Galatasaray's squad was. Early in the second half, Mertens scored again, this time assisted by Brazilian playmaker Gabriel Sara, beyond doubt.

Not for the first time in his long soccer career, Mourinho also knew that derby games like this are usually won on minor details. Fenerbahçe did create chances, but were pushing hard with barely any effect. Its only goal came late into the match when Edin Dzeko converted a penalty-too little, too late.

Another problem for Mourinho

As if the defeat in the field of play wasn't enough, Mourinho had also been fined € 4,000 for failing to appear at the press conference after the match. According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, Mourinho, in his defense, explained that Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk ran over his time at the podium, allowing no room for his own conference. But let's be realistic here-the circumstance of that excuse rarely relieves the pressure on a coach who is, even as "The Special One," hardly immune to condemnation.

This did little to further endear Mourinho to his critics. But things are complicated further: he's fighting not just the sting of defeat but fallout off the field, too.

As if defeat and penalty were not enough, Galatasaray found the best opportunity to make a dig at Mourinho in public-obviously via social media. The opponent club didn't waste any time and poked fun at the coach, naming him "The Crying One," a wordplay of his famous nickname, "The Special One.".