Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho says Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen dives frequently, just days after Osimhen’s high-profile move to Fenerbahce’s rivals, Galatasaray, on a season-long loan from Napoli.
Osimhen’s arrival in Turkey has set the stage for an intense competition between the two Istanbul clubs, as both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are expected to battle for the Turkish Super Lig title.
The Nigerian forward’s addition to Galatasaray’s squad adds further tension to the historic rivalry.
Mourinho, who assumed the role of Fenerbahce head coach in June after leaving AS Roma, is no stranger to Osimhen’s playing style.
The two previously crossed paths multiple times in Italy’s Serie A, with Mourinho’s Roma facing Napoli in fiercely contested matches.
In a recent interview with HT Spor, Mourinho commented on Osimhen’s talent while also criticizing his on-field behavior.
“The last time we played against him during Roma vs Napoli, I had this conversation with him,” Mourinho recalled. “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.’”
Mourinho, known for his candid remarks, further expressed his frustration with what he perceives as Osimhen’s tendency to go down too easily during matches.
“He dives too much, and that’s my problem with him,” Mourinho said, though he added that the two had a brief discussion and resolved their differences on the field. “But after 10 minutes, we are fine.”
