Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho has shared his thoughts ahead of the new UEFA Europa League season, tipping his compatriots FC Porto as the team to beat in the competition.

Mourinho’s side dropped into the Europa League after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League playoff second leg on Wednesday. As a result, Fenerbahçe will now enter Pot 2 for Friday’s Europa League draw, joining other notable names such as Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Rangers, and Porto themselves.

Speaking after the match, the Portuguese tactician stressed that the Europa League offers a better chance for his team to make a strong run, while praising Porto’s strength and pedigree.

“We have not won the league in years, and that is always the goal. Obviously, the Europa League is a competition better suited to our potential. Last year we had a good Europa League, but we were eliminated on penalties after a brilliant performance in Glasgow.
Now we will try to go further. There are still good teams in the Europa League, but the level is different from the Champions League. But FC Porto are there, and they are strong, very strong,” Mourinho said.

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When José Mourinho speaks, the football world listens — and often debates. His declaration that Porto are the favourites could be read in two ways.

On one hand, it feels like a nod of respect to the club where he carved out his legacy, winning the 2003 UEFA Cup and the 2004 Champions League. That Porto side announced Mourinho to the world, and perhaps he still sees echoes of that fighting spirit in today’s squad.

On the other hand, this is classic Mourinho: shifting pressure away from his own team. By elevating Porto as favourites, he cleverly lowers expectations on Fenerbahçe, giving his players space to perform without the burden of being labelled frontrunners.

What makes this season exciting is the diversity of contenders. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery — the “Europa League specialist” — will fancy their chances. Nottingham Forest and Rangers bring passion and history, while Celtic never lack determination. Add Fenerbahçe, guided by Mourinho’s tactical genius, and the stage is set for a truly unpredictable tournament.

But here’s the beauty of the Europa League: it thrives on surprises. Mourinho himself has lifted it twice — with Porto and later with Manchester United. It wouldn’t be shocking if, after all his talk about Porto, it is his own Fenerbahçe that makes the deepest run.

One thing is certain: with José Mourinho in the competition, the Europa League just got a whole lot more interesting.