Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has stirred up controversy, accusing Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen of diving excessively on the pitch.
Mourinho’s remarks follow Osimhen’s high-profile loan move to Fenerbahce’s fierce rivals, Galatasaray, from Napoli for the season.
This sets the stage for a heated rivalry as both teams vie for the Turkish Super Lig title, with Osimhen now leading Galatasaray’s attack.
The tension between the two sides is expected to intensify with the arrival of the talented striker.
Mourinho, who became Fenerbahce’s head coach in June after leaving AS Roma, is well-acquainted with Osimhen’s style from their time in Italy’s Serie A.
Having faced Napoli multiple times while coaching Roma, Mourinho gained firsthand experience of Osimhen’s playing tactics.
In a recent viral video, the iconic coach, known as “The Special One,” compared Osimhen to Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, placing both players on a similar level of excellence.
However, Mourinho was candid about his disapproval of one aspect of Osimhen’s game.
“The last time we played against him during Roma vs Napoli, I had this conversation with him,” Mourinho told HT Spor.
“I told Osimhen, ‘you are one of the best players in Africa along with Salah. Before there were Drogba, Eto’o, and Weah. You can’t be diving.’
“He dives too much, and that’s my problem with him, but after 10 minutes, we are fine.”
Mourinho’s comments have added fuel to the growing rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, as both clubs prepare for what promises to be an intense season.
