Mourinho: I was robbed of a European title

"I have won 26 titles, including 5.5 European titles," Jose Mourinho said after the 2-1 win over Union SG in the first round of the 2024-2025 Europa League yesterday, September 26. "I say that because a European title was stolen. I will never forget that. The reason for achieving these things is that I work very hard. I am also working very hard at Fenerbahce, and so are everyone at this club."

The "Special One's" statement shows that he has not forgotten the match when Roma lost 1-4 to Sevilla in a penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, in the 2023 Europa League final. It was Mourinho's first defeat in a European Cup final, after five consecutive wins (UEFA Cup 2003, Champions League 2004, 2010, Europa League 2017 and Conference League 2022).

After the match, Mourinho accused referee Anthony Taylor of bias towards Sevilla, for not giving a second yellow card to Erik Lamela and not awarding a penalty after Fernando touched the ball in the penalty area. He also insulted Taylor when confronted in the car park, calling the decisions of the English referee and his assistant "a disgrace". The incident resulted in Mourinho being banned for four matches by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

This summer, Mourinho went to Fenerbahce. After failing in the Champions League qualifiers, he and his students were relegated to the Europa League.