Yahoo Sport 
Jose Mourinho comes out swinging for Gio van Bronckhorst as he tells Besiktas ex Rangers boss deserved better
Jose Mourinho has publicly defended Giovanni van Bronckhorst and warned 'a coach cannot perform miracles' in just a few months.
The former Rangers boss came under increased pressure after a poor run of results both domestically and in the Europa League with last Thursday's defeat at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv proving the final straw for the Turkish side, who decided it was time up for the Dutchman and his time in the Super Lig.
Mourinho - who has bossed some of the biggest clubs in the world like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea - has regularly been making headlines in Turkey and he has now came out swinging on behalf of his fellow manager. He has told those in charge of Fenerbahce's rivals that he was doing a good job and has warned his own employers and those outwith the club that he needs time and not to do to him what has just happened to Van Bronckhorst.
Speaking in the Turkish media, he said: “You are still killing me. Give me some credit and give me time. Don’t do to me what was done to Giovanni van Bronckhorst. A coach cannot perform a miracle in 2-3-4 months. Van Bronckhorst was doing well. Not the results of the last period. Consistency is needed. So give me some time. Let me work in peace. I will enjoy it even if there is no peace.”
Mourinho and his troops are just three points behind league leaders Galatasaray. Fenerbahce have only lost one league game so far, to the only team above them in the standings.
They are on course to reach the Europa League knockout rounds with eight points from five games - two ahead of league rivals Besitkas who are still in the positions to reach the next stage but need to make sure they get results in the next three matches.
In the league, Van Bronckhorst's former side sit 13 points off the pace in the race for the title and currently occupy fifth spot.
