Stephen Appiah Expects Alexander Djiku to Elevate His Game Under Jose Mourinho

Stephen Appiah, the former captain of Ghana, has expressed his positive outlook on the influence of Jose Mourinho’s recent appointment at Fenerbahce on the performance of Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku.

Mourinho, a Portuguese manager known for his successful track record with African players, joined the Turkish club over the weekend, sparking excitement among the club’s supporters.

Djiku, who has already won over Fenerbahce fans with his commitment and playing style, now has the chance to work with one of the most accomplished managers in football.

Appiah is confident that this collaboration could significantly boost Djiku’s performance. He pointed out that Mourinho has a history of bringing out the best in African players, including notable names like Didier Drogba, Solomon Kalou, Michael Essien, and Mikel Obi. He expressed hope that Djiku, who has already captured the hearts of fans with his attitude and approach to the game, will be able to elevate his performance under Mourinho’s guidance.

Appiah, who played for Fenerbahce from 2005 to 2008 and made over 60 league appearances, is well aware of the pressures and expectations at the Turkish club. During his time there, he helped the team secure two titles: the 2006/07 Turkish Super League and the 2007 Turkish Super Cup.

Mourinho, 61, replaces Ismail Kartal, despite Kartal leading the team to an impressive second-place finish in the league, just behind city rivals Galatasaray. Fenerbahce ended the season with only one loss and an impressive 99 points.

Mourinho, who was without a job since his departure from Roma in January after a two-and-a-half-year tenure, brings a distinguished career record to Fenerbahce. The club hasn’t won the league title since 2014, presenting a significant challenge for Mourinho as he aims to reclaim the trophy. Djiku’s experience and defensive skills will be crucial in their pursuit of success under Mourinho’s leadership.

Djiku is currently with the Black Stars, preparing for the important 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic. He will return to Fenerbahce after these international matches. Both fans and management will be closely monitoring his performance in these qualifiers, hopeful that he will return to Turkey ready to excel under Mourinho’s tutelage.