Samsunspor manager Thomas Reis has revealed his admiration for former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, Soccernet.football reports.
Reis is making waves in the Turkish Süper Lig with Samsunspor, leading his side to an impressive third place, even outshining José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Despite a better start to the season than the iconic Portuguese coach, Reis insists that Mourinho remains a mentor and role model.
Before their recent clash, the two coaches shared a brief but respectful exchange. A viral video captured Mourinho patting Reis on the shoulder in recognition before Samsunspor’s 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce on Sunday.
“José Mourinho is a great coach,” Reis remarked after the game. “He is an idol for me. A role model. I had the opportunity to meet him for the first time today. I wish him every success in the coming weeks.”
Few would have predicted this scenario just months ago, with Reis now steering his team to unexpected heights.
Samsunspor, who started the season at the bottom of the table following a 2-0 defeat to Besiktas, have since lost only one more match and pulled off six victories. Their impressive form has kept them ahead of Mourinho’s Fenerbahce by two points.
Reis’ achievement is even more remarkable given the circumstances surrounding his appointment.
Taking over from Markus Gisdol, who guided the newly promoted side to safety last season, Reis inherited a team under a transfer ban, limiting his ability to bring in reinforcements.
Despite this, the team has flourished, relying on their tight-knit squad, including former Bundesliga players Rick van Drongelen, Kingsley Schindler, and Landry Dimata.
“Anyone who knows me knows that simple tasks aren’t for me,” Reis told SPORT1. He acknowledged the foundation laid by his predecessor Gisdol but emphasised his belief in his players.
“We don’t have the best and broadest squad in the Süper Lig, and I tell the players that too. But the good start has made them believe in themselves more,” Reis added.
For Reis, Samsunspor represents his first venture outside Germany. After parting ways with Schalke in late 2023, the 51-year-old took time off to reflect before embracing the opportunity in Turkey.
“I needed some rest after Schalke, but I eventually felt the urge to be on the sidelines again,” he explained.
With his team exceeding expectations, Reis remains grounded, focusing on the initial goal of avoiding relegation.
“This is a huge life experience for me,” he said. “I want to make the year with Samsunspor a success, and then we’ll see what the future holds.”