Thanks to a late goal from the substitute, Samsunspor, with coach Thomas Reis, managed to get a late 2-2 draw against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. After the game, Mourinho had words of praise for his opposite number, who had been looking forward to the game from the outset.
Former Bochum and Schalke coach Thomas Reis, who has been coaching Turkish first division team Samsunspor since the summer, had been looking forward to the clash with Fenerbahce for a long time. One reason for this was his opponent José Mourinho.
“I’ve always found him fascinating – his manner, his coolness. People either love him or hate him. I’m looking forward to meeting him and it’s cool to face him as an opponent,” said the 51-year-old, expressing his admiration for the highly decorated coach around three weeks ago. Nevertheless, his team wanted to annoy the top team from the Bosporus – which they then managed to do in the direct duel on Sunday. In front of their home crowd, last year’s promoted team defied the favorites Fenerbahce despite twice falling behind, scoring a late goal through Soner Aydoglu, who had just been substituted, to draw 2-2.
“Exemplary” Mourinho praises Reis – Samsunspor remains third
This caused displeasure for Mourinho: The draw on the Black Sea coast was a “bad result” for him, the Portuguese explained after the game at the press conference, at which he also once again had a falling out with the referees. He had words of praise for Reis, on the other hand: “I would like to congratulate Samsunspor and their coach. They are a really good team, an organized team. They fight for results.”
The German coach appeared to be flattered by Mourinho’s words. He said after the game that the two-time Champions League winner is a ‘great teacher’ and a ‘role model’ for him. During the game, however, the former Schalke player was unable to hide his admiration, and he was shown the yellow card for vociferous grumbling.
Reis will have gladly accepted the caution. Samsunspor confirmed their good form with the late point, and remain in third place after nine games. Mourinho’s team follows close behind, but they have currently played one game less.
