Stuttgart coach strongly dismisses Fenerbahce talk as Turkish side look to steal Jose Mourinho’s successor from Europa League opponents
Fenerbahce wanted to appoint Sebastian Hoeness, but the Stuttgart head coach has turned down the opportunity to become Jose Mourinho’s successor.

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since failing to qualify for the Champions League, Mourinho and Fenerbahce have gone their separate ways. Now, the Turkish runners-up are looking for a new head coach. One potential candidate apparently came from the Bundesliga — Stuttgart head coach Hoeness — but he is not interested.

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Turkish media had reported that Fenerbahce had their eye on Hoeness, which was also confirmed by German outlet Kicker. What’s more, Stuttgart and Fenerbahce will face each other on the third matchday of the Europa League league phase on September 23. Hoeness has earned limelight after guiding Die Schwaben to a DFB-Pokal triumph at the end of last season, which ended the club’s 18-year streak without a title.

  • WHAT SEBASTIAN HOENESS SAID

    Hoeness responded to the rumour on Sky, saying: “I haven’t heard anything about this. So I have nothing to say on the matter. For me, it’s not an issue at all – definitely not! It’s a big deal in the media, but for me it’s not an issue.”

    He said the matter could be considered closed. “Completely closed,” as the coach put it.