Jose Mourinho said he will have an unhappy Christmas after Fenerbahce lost further ground against Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray on Friday.
Fenerbahce came from behind to draw 1–1 with Eyupspor in their final match before the winter break, with Youssef En-Nesyri canceling out Ahmed Kutucu's opener.
That result means that leader Galatasaray can extend their lead over their fierce rivals to eight points when they visit Kayserispor on Saturday.
After a run of five consecutive wins between November and December, Fenerbahce have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions, drawing one and losing two.
Mourinho said he was reluctant to even give his players time off during the recession and questioned their mentality.
“We still get a few days off, but it won't be a nice rest period for me. What it will be like for the players depends on their own mentality,” he said after Friday's game.
“But it won't be a happy rest period for me. Actually, I would prefer not to have this rest period, but we promised the players that a long time ago.
“Many players could not take more than ten days off, so this was an important situation for them to rest.
“We will continue to work very hard in the second period of this two-week break. I want my players to believe in the pragmatism of football.
“What is that? It's math. Math determines where you will be. We have to fight mathematically regardless of the results of your other opponents.”
On Saturday, Turkish media reported that Mourinho had left Turkiye to undergo routine surgery after suffering a health problem.
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