Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has spoken out for the first time since Portugal’s elimination from Euro 2024. Mourinho, who had considered Portugal among the favorites to win the tournament, observed that Roberto Martinez’s team topped Group F and overcame Slovenia in a penalty shootout in the round of 16. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals against France, also decided by penalties.
Reflecting on Portugal’s campaign, Mourinho highlighted concerns dating back to their 2-1 loss to Croatia before the Euros. “Portugal wasn’t fantastic despite reaching the quarter-finals. We expected more,” he remarked, recalling his attendance at the National Stadium during that match and expressing unease about their performance.
“Throughout the tournament, we showed progress but lacked conviction,” Mourinho noted. “In such moments, stronger teams often emerge. Unfortunately, we didn’t see improvement in Portugal.”
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
He acknowledged the team’s youthfulness, aside from veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, and looked ahead optimistically. “It’s a young team with years ahead of them. The World Cup is approaching,” Mourinho concluded in an interview with Sport TV.