Waiting 70 minutes for a press conference is disrespectful

José Mourinho, the legendary coach of Fenerbahçe, was fined approximately four thousand euros for failing to attend the mandatory post-match press conference following his team’s 1-3 loss to Galatasaray in the fiercely contested Istanbul derby.

The fine drew attention not only because of the defeat but due to Mourinho's absence, a rarity for someone who has built his career on commanding post-match discussions with the press. On Wednesday, Mourinho offered a detailed explanation for his decision not to attend, making it clear that the fine had little to do with the result and more with the perceived disrespect he faced while waiting for the previous conference to conclude.

Mourinho, known for his blunt and often controversial statements, began by addressing his 24-year career, emphasizing that he has never intentionally avoided facing the media, no matter the outcome. "I have never avoided a press conference in my 24-year career. I’ve never been afraid of journalists or their questions," Mourinho said, underlining his transparency with the press throughout his illustrious tenure in football. He then shifted focus to the common protocol for post-match media duties, explaining that it is typically the away coach who speaks first to allow them to leave the stadium earlier. “The away coach usually goes first, which is normal, so they can be free,” he explained.

However, the crux of Mourinho's complaint lay in the excessive amount of time he was forced to wait. He recounted that after his team’s disappointing loss, he had to wait for over 70 minutes while Galatasaray’s coach, Okan Buruk, conducted an extended press conference. Despite being patient, Mourinho noted that Buruk's session with the media lasted so long that even after waiting, the opportunity for him to hold his own press conference had passed. "I waited 70 minutes, and even after that, I couldn’t go because his conference was still going on," Mourinho revealed. "I can’t wait 70, 75, or 80 minutes for a press conference." He deemed the situation not just inconvenient but unacceptable, stating that there are professional limits that need to be respected, regardless of the result of the match.

Mourinho's frustration wasn’t simply about the wait time. He made it clear that his decision not to attend the press conference had nothing to do with the defeat or his reluctance to face questions about it. Instead, it was about the principle of respecting a proper schedule and protocol. "It had nothing to do with the result, just with what is or isn’t right," Mourinho clarified. He argued that the handling of the press conference was unprofessional, and waiting for more than an hour was disrespectful not only to him but to the institution of post-match interviews.

The Fenerbahçe coach used the opportunity to express his thoughts on how post-match interviews should be conducted, pointing out the differences between flash interviews and regular press conferences. Mourinho argued that flash interviews, which take place immediately after a match, should be prompt, allowing players and managers to give their immediate reactions. "In the next match, the same thing will happen. I will go to the flash interview right after the game because that’s the logic of flash interviews. It’s not 20 minutes after the match, it’s right after,” he stated, emphasizing that the purpose of these interviews is to capture the immediate thoughts and emotions of the participants.

He further commented on the normal wait times for post-match press conferences, explaining that in most cases, it’s reasonable to expect a delay of around 15 to 30 minutes. "Then you wait 15 minutes, half an hour that’s normal,” Mourinho acknowledged. But, according to the Portuguese manager, waiting over an hour crossed the line of professional decency. "Seventy minutes? Sorry, but that’s disrespectful! If anyone felt disrespected, it was me," he added, underscoring his frustration.

Mourinho's comments add another layer to the debate about post-match press duties and the treatment of managers, particularly in high-profile, tension-filled matches like the Istanbul derby. Known for his passionate approach to football, Mourinho’s refusal to attend the press conference wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment decision but one grounded in his belief in professionalism and mutual respect between opposing teams and managers.

The upcoming match against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League, scheduled for Thursday, now looms large as Mourinho shifts his focus back to European competition. Fenerbahçe will need to bounce back from the derby defeat, and Mourinho will be keen to guide his team to success, using his vast experience on the European stage. Whether this latest controversy has any lingering impact on the team remains to be seen, but one thing is clear Mourinho, as always, is not afraid to speak his mind and stand by his principles, even when it results in fines or criticism.