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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Fenerbahce lost to Lille in first-leg clash</li><li>Mourinho lamented Fred's absence</li><li>Ex-Man Utd player &amp; manager reunited in Turkey</li></ul>

'I don't like to say this' - Jose Mourinho makes surprise admission about ex-Man Utd star Fred after Fenerbahce lose first leg of crucial Champions League tie against Lille

The Turkish giants conceded a late goal as they went down 2-1 against Ligue 1 side Lille in the first leg of their Champions League third-round qualifying tie. After the game, manager Mourinho was left disheartened as the Portuguese claimed that he missed former Manchester United midfielder Fred on the pitch, who was not eligible to take the pitch on Tuesday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to reporters after the clash, the 61-year-old said, "I don't like to say this but I miss Fred. He is an important player for us. We finished the first half of the tie trailing 2-1. Now it's time to go to Kadıköy with our yellow and navy blue flags."

WHAT JOSE MOURINHO SAID

The 31-year-old former Brazil international joined Fenerbahce last summer from the Red Devils and was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/awkward-jose-mourinho-fenerbahce-player-man-utd/blt530a8b08eca39523#cs376018a8804cb9b2" target="_blank">reunited with his former coach</a> earlier this summer, after Mourinho took charge of the team as their new manager. It was during Mourinho's time at Old Trafford that Fred moved to England from Shakhtar Donetsk.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Turkish Super Lig side will be next seen in action on August 11 in a league clash against Adana Demirspor before facing Lille in the second leg at home six days later.

WHAT NEXT FOR FENERBAHCE?

'I don't like to say this' - Jose Mourinho makes surprise admission about ex-Man Utd star Fred after Fenerbahce lose first leg of crucial Champions League tie against Lille | Goal.com South Africa

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho admitted that he missed Fred on the pitch as his side went down 2-1 against Lille in the Champions League.

&apos;I don&apos;t like to say this&apos; - Jose Mourinho makes surprise admission about ex-Man Utd star Fred after Fenerbahce lose first leg of crucial Champions League tie against Lille