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Mourinho's war with former Newcastle star
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 13.03.25. | 20:15
The outcome of all this is that the Frenchman will not play in the second-leg match of the Europa League Round of 16 between Glasgow Rangers and Fenerbahce, where the Turkish side will be chasing a 1-3 deficit from Istanbul
Fenerbahce faces a crucial and challenging Europa League Round of 16 second-leg match against Glasgow Rangers this Thursday at 23.00. The Turkish side is chasing a deficit after losing 1-3 in Istanbul, and they’ll have to do so without Allan Saint-Maximin—sparking quite a controversy.
It all started with Fenerbahce’s official announcement stating that Çaglar Soyuncu and Allan Saint-Maximin would miss the game at Ibrox due to injuries. However, no specific reason was given for the French winger’s absence. That could have been the end of it, but Saint-Maximin, currently on a one-year loan from Al Ahli in Jeddah, didn’t let his ego stay silent.
🏆 #UEL Round of 16, 2nd leg
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) March 12, 2025
🆚 Rangers FC
🗓 Tomorrow
🇹🇷 11.00pm (GMT+3)
🇪🇺 8.00pm (CET)
📍 Ibrox Stadium
📲 #UEL #RFCvFB pic.twitter.com/zk15C6YnBe
He took to social media with a cryptic message:
"It will take more than this to defeat me… When lies take the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but eventually, it comes to light."
Naturally, reporters questioned Mourinho about this during a press conference, and the Portuguese coach responded in his signature style:
"I didn’t know Saint-Maximin was so talented at poetry. But I’m not bad either. When a footballer works hard and trains every day, he’s fit, and climbing stairs is easy. He doesn’t need an elevator. However, if a player doesn’t train properly, is late, carries extra weight, and isn’t ready to play, then he needs an elevator to go up. He gets tired too quickly when using the stairs."
🗣️ Jose Mourinho's response to Saint-Maximin who said 'when a lie gets on the elevator, the truth starts climbing the stairs':
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) March 13, 2025
"I didn't know he was a poet. A fit footballer doesn't need an elevator.
When he is late or overweight, then he needs an elevator." pic.twitter.com/kFaGWlUSFj
Following this, Saint-Maximin posted two more Instagram updates. First, he shared a weigh-in report, stating:
"Newcastle 2022: 84 kg – starter. Fenerbahce 2024: 85 kg – starter. Monday (March 10, 2025): 84 kg – overweight. Lies produce flowers, but not fruit."
Then, addressing his teammates with a photo of his weight reading 82.4 kg, he wrote:
"Keep working and stay silent. Good luck, guys, this is an important match. Wishing you all the best."
Allan Saint-Maximin via Instagram pic.twitter.com/WBSYFuMaYu
— FenerXtra | Fan (@FenerXtraDE) March 13, 2025
During the first half of the season, Saint-Maximin was a regular starter, but things changed over the winter. Initially, he missed some games due to illness and minor injuries, and his playing time gradually diminished. He hasn’t featured in Fenerbahce’s last five league matches and only played the final 36 minutes in the first leg against Rangers. His overall contribution for the Turkish club stands at three goals and four assists in 26 appearances.
