Fenerbahce's Turkish coach, Jose Mourinho, called on “experts” in the Turkish media to help solve his team's left-back dilemma.
The Turkish side are facing a difficult situation with key left-back Jayden Østerwald out due to injury and Mert Muldor unavailable after being sent off in their 2-0 home loss to Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Fenerbahce, currently competing for domestic and European success, have had a mixed season in the Europa League, registering two wins and two losses in six matches.
They are also bidding for their first Premier League title since 2014, although a recent 1-0 defeat to Besiktas ended their five-game winning streak and left them six points behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Mourinho did not hesitate to express his frustration with the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions.
He said: “If you look at our next match (in the Europa League) against Olympique Lyonnais, Muldor is suspended, who will play at left-back?
ft | Fenerbahce 0-2 Athletic Bilbao pic.twitter.com/DTew0WBq4i
– Fenerbahce English (@Fenerbahce_EN) December 11, 2024
“If any of you can help me, if any of the TV experts can help me. Who will play left back?
He added: “Sometimes (the media) looks at things without knowing the truth of things well.
“I don’t know because unfortunately I can only say a few words in Turkish, if we as a club give you the right information to understand the situations.
“I would like all my players to be available. You see how difficult it is for us. We did not have a single midfielder on the bench (against Athletic).”
When asked if the upcoming transfer window could bring reinforcements, Mourinho dismissed any notion of dissatisfaction with his current squad.
“I'm happy with my players. I'm not throwing my players under the bus. Don't expect me to come here and tell you I want better players.
However, Mourinho acknowledged the impact of Osterwald's absence, saying: “I would like Jaden Osterwald to be available because it is very difficult for us (without him).
He added: “But don't worry, we will qualify (for the Europa League).” We have two games left to get the three points, and we will get that. “We will be stronger in the second half of the season.”
