Football is no longer what it used to be a few years ago

Fenerbahçe, under the guidance of José Mourinho, began their Turkish Cup journey with a commanding 3-0 victory against Kasimpasa, signaling their intent to compete strongly in the competition.

The win puts them at the top of Group B alongside Gaziantep and Goztepe, laying a solid foundation for their campaign. The match, held at Kasimpasa’s home ground, showcased Fenerbahçe’s attacking efficiency and defensive stability, hallmarks of Mourinho's coaching philosophy.

The goals came early and decisively, with Youssef En Nesyri opening the scoring in just the second minute. Yusuf Akcicek doubled the lead in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Kasimpasa. Bartug Elmaz sealed the result with a well-taken goal in stoppage time at the end of the first half, ensuring Fenerbahçe went into the break with a comfortable lead. While the second half didn’t produce more goals, it served as a platform for Fenerbahçe to control the tempo and test their tactical setups.

After the match, Mourinho shared his thoughts on his team’s performance and highlighted the strategic depth required in modern football. “After the game, I congratulated their players and coach; they played in a very organized manner. We did enough to win, had no issues, but the young players also showed a great fighting spirit,” Mourinho remarked. “They have two more games ahead to enjoy, fight for the result, and use it as an opportunity to improve because it’s a great experience for them.”

The Portuguese coach’s comments reflected his focus on player development and adaptability. He emphasized the importance of equipping players with the ability to operate in multiple tactical systems, a necessity in the ever-evolving landscape of football. “The players need to learn to play in different formations on the pitch. Modern football is like this now; it’s all very dynamic,” he explained. “Sometimes we play with three defenders, sometimes four, sometimes five. Sometimes we press high, other times we drop back. Football is no longer what it used to be a few years ago. Back then, we could say, ‘Yes, this team plays in this system.’ But that’s not the case anymore. That’s why I try to instill this in my players so they can adapt to different dynamics on the pitch when the game requires it.”

Mourinho’s tactical insights were evident in Fenerbahçe’s ability to seamlessly switch between defensive and offensive phases throughout the match. This fluidity frustrated Kasimpasa, whose attempts to break down Fenerbahçe’s structure were largely ineffective. Despite their struggles, Mourinho praised Kasimpasa’s defensive organization and effort, acknowledging their role in limiting Fenerbahçe’s chances in the second half.

“I congratulated them and told them the scoreline wasn’t different because we didn’t want it to be, but because they defended well and made it difficult for us,” Mourinho said. “We didn’t score more goals in the second half because we didn’t do enough, and they fought very well. That’s why I congratulated them and their coach. As I analyzed them before the match, they were very organized. Although they couldn’t offer much offensively, defensively, they worked like clockwork. They showed a very strong fighting spirit.”

This match also served as a platform for Mourinho to integrate younger players into competitive fixtures, a strategy he views as essential for their growth. With two more group-stage games remaining, Mourinho sees the Turkish Cup as an opportunity for these players to gain valuable experience while contributing to the team’s success.

The victory against Kasimpasa reflects the high standards Mourinho has set for Fenerbahçe this season. Known for his meticulous preparation and ability to motivate players, Mourinho is determined to make an impact in Turkish football. His comments about the dynamic nature of modern football underline his belief in continuous evolution, both for himself and his players. As Fenerbahçe progresses in the Turkish Cup, they will aim to build on this performance while balancing the demands of domestic and European competitions.

Fenerbahçe’s next group-stage matches will test their depth and adaptability further, but with Mourinho at the helm, the team appears well-prepared to navigate these challenges. The Turkish Cup represents an opportunity for the club to secure silverware and reinforce their reputation as a dominant force in Turkish football. With Mourinho’s experience and tactical acumen, Fenerbahçe’s journey in this competition promises to be one to watch.