Stephen Appiah confident Djiku will shine under Mourinho

Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah is optimistic about the potential impact of Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Fenerbahce on Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku.

The Portuguese manager, renowned for his success with African players, joined the Turkish side over the weekend, creating a buzz of anticipation around the club.

Djiku, who has already impressed Fenerbahce fans with his dedication and style of play, now has the opportunity to work under one of football’s most decorated managers.

Appiah believes this partnership could significantly elevate Djiku’s performance.

“Jose Mourinho has been very good with African players, and I think everyone he’s worked with proves themselves, including Didier Drogba, Solomon Kalou, Michael Essien, Mikel Obi, and many others,” Appiah told Responsible Gambling.

“We have Djiku, who has won the hearts of the fans with the way he carries himself and approaches the game. I hope that with Mourinho’s arrival, he will be able to take his game to the next level.”

Appiah, who made over 60 league appearances for Fenerbahce between 2005 and 2008, knows well the pressures and expectations at the Turkish club. During his tenure, he secured two titles: the 2006/07 Turkish Super League and the 2007 Turkish Super Cup.

The 61-year-old Mourinho takes over from Ismail Kartal, who departed despite leading the team to an impressive second-place finish in the league, just behind city rivals Galatasaray. Fenerbahce finished the season with only one loss and a remarkable 99 points.

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Mourinho, who has been without a job since his dismissal from Roma in January after a two-and-a-half-year stint, brings an illustrious track record to Fenerbahce.

The club have not won the league title since 2014, posing a significant challenge for Mourinho as he aims to bring the trophy back. Djiku’s experience and defensive prowess will be pivotal in their quest for success under Mourinho’s leadership.

Currently, Djiku is with the Black Stars, preparing for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic. He will rejoin Fenerbahce following these international fixtures. The defender’s performance in these qualifiers will be closely watched, with fans and management hopeful that he will return to Turkey ready to thrive under Mourinho’s guidance.

The post Stephen Appiah confident Djiku will shine under Mourinho first appeared on 3News.

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