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Jose Mourinho discloses ‘problem’ he has with Victor Osimhen after seeing Napoli loanee join Fenerbahce’s arch-rivals Galatasaray
Jose Mourinho has openly admitted to having a “problem” with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen following the forward’s recent move to Galatasaray, fierce rivals of Fenerbahce, where Mourinho is currently managing.
Mourinho’s relationship with Osimhen dates back to their time in Italy’s Serie A, where Mourinho coached AS Roma and Osimhen was a key player for Napoli. Now, with Osimhen making a summer switch to Turkey after potential moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli fell through, the two will cross paths once again.
While Mourinho acknowledged Osimhen’s immense talent, he pointed out a specific trait that frustrates him when facing the Nigerian star on the pitch. Although he didn’t elaborate on the exact issue, the comment hints at the challenges of managing and competing against a player of Osimhen’s caliber.
“He’s an incredible talent. Galatasaray have secured a fantastic player,” Mourinho said in an interview with HT Spor.
“I’ve never had an issue with him personally, but there’s one thing about him that irritates me when he’s on the opposing team. During one of our Roma-Napoli encounters, I took the time to speak with him.
I told him, ‘You and Salah are currently the best African players, following in the footsteps of legends like Drogba, Eto’o, and Weah. But you cannot continue to play the way you do.’ He tends to go down too easily, and that’s where my problem lies.”
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray may be short-lived, as sources claim that his loan agreement includes a release option that top European teams may activate as early as the January transfer window.
This implies that the Nigerian may be in England in a few of months after leaving Turkey.
Osimhen is scheduled to make his Turkish Super Lig debut on September 14, when Galatasaray face Rizespor. Just a week later, the striker might face Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.