Lincoln Criticizes Mourinho’s Management Style and Treatment

Former Fenerbahce midfielder Lincoln has launched a pointed critique of Jose Mourinho, accusing the esteemed manager of exhibiting “unfair treatment” and a notable lack of personal integrity. In a candid interview with Fanatik, the 27-year-old expressed that despite Mourinho’s illustrious career, his conduct behind the scenes fell significantly short of expectations.

“He was not a man of his word towards me; he did not uphold his promise,” Lincoln asserted. While acknowledging Mourinho’s impressive track record, he contended that success in winning titles does not justify poor management practices. “A coach with numerous championships is undeniable, but what I can state is that he displayed a lack of character towards me. In life, character supersedes championships, especially for me.”

Lincoln’s primary complaint revolves around what he perceives as an inexplicable and disrespectful decision concerning the club’s pre-season preparations. After spending the previous months on loan at Hull City, Lincoln was in Portugal when the Fenerbahce squad arrived for their training camp.

Despite being in close proximity to the team, Lincoln claims he was instructed to travel in the opposite direction to Turkey. “Jose Mourinho surprised me. I spoke with him prior to my loan at Hull City, and he indicated he wanted to see me at the pre-season camp in Portugal. After completing my season at Hull City, I anticipated being called up for the pre-season preparations. I attempted to reach out to the translator to speak with Mourinho, but he declined to engage with me.

“He informed me that I should communicate all my concerns to the sporting director. While the team was in Portugal, I found myself at home, only to be sent back to Istanbul, where I was told to train separately with Miha Zajc.”

Lincoln describes this refusal to engage in a direct conversation as “disrespectful,” implying that a manager of Mourinho’s caliber should have had the decency to convey unfavorable news personally, rather than through intermediaries or silence.

“I was treated unfairly and with disrespect,” he remarked. “In numerous matches, I exerted my utmost efforts to support the club and the team, even adapting to play out of position. I endured a complicated injury, and while I anticipated support and recognition, it was lacking. Although I may not be a prominent player like others, I consistently committed myself on the pitch and cherished wearing this jersey. Upon my return, I sensed a lack of respect regarding opportunities.”

The Brazilian feels he was part of a broader effort to cleanse the squad at the Samandira training ground, wherein players loyal to former coach Jorge Jesus were systematically dismissed. Lincoln made a stark comparison between the two Portuguese managers, lauding Jesus as “the best coach I have ever worked with” and a manager who “always speaks directly to players.”

He claims that an “ego” issue arose at the club following Jesus’s exit. “Both Ismail Kartal and Jose Mourinho sought to recruit players they trusted, ultimately discarding any players associated with the Jorge Jesus era,” Lincoln stated. “They expressed no interest in me, Willian Arao, Joao Pedro, or Luan Peres.”