We are better than Rangers—Mourinho brags

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is certain his side “are better than Rangers” despite going into Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Ibrox with a two-goal deficit.

Mourinho is adamant Barry Ferguson’s side earned the advantage from the first game in Istanbul only because of team’s numerous mistakes.

Rangers’ were successful with clinical counter-attacks from what the Portuguese said was an ultra-defensive low block.

The former Porto and Inter Milan manager said he would have given up on the second leg in order to concentrate on their league campaign if he did not believe the deficit could be overcome.

Fenerbahce are seven points behind unbeaten leaders Galatasaray in the Super Lig but do have a game in hand.

Mourinho, who has yet to overturn a two-goal home deficit in almost 200 European matches as a manager, rejected Ferguson’s assertion that he’s “hurting” from the first leg.

“I’m not hurt. Rangers are not a better team than us, and I think we have a chance of qualifying,” he said.

“It’s not that I’m hurt or that I want revenge or that we have to go and show we are better. It’s nothing about that. It’s just the fact I honestly think we are better.

“But we deserved to lose because we made mistakes and they capitalised on our mistakes. They were motivated, they were fighting together, they deserved to win.

Prior to their first European defeat to Scottish opposition, Fenerbahce had been on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.