Fenerbahce came from behind to draw 1-1 with Eyupspor in its final game before the winter break, with Youssef En-Nesyri cancelling out Ahmed Kutucu's opener.

That result means leaders Galatasaray could stretch its lead over its fierce rival to eight points when it visits Kayserispor.

After a run of five straight wins between November and December, Fenerbahce has only won one of its past four games in all competitions, drawing one and losing two.

Mourinho said he was reticent to even give his players time off amid their downturn, questioning their mentality.

"We will have a few days off, but it will not be a happy off period for me. How it will be for the players depends on their own mentality," he said.

"But it will not be a happy off period for me. Actually, I would prefer not to have this off period, but we promised the players long ago.

"Many players could not take more than 10 days off. Therefore, this was an important situation for them to rest.

"We will continue to work very hard in the second period of this two-week break. I want my players to believe in the pragmatism of football. 

"What is that? It is mathematics. Mathematics determines where you will be. We have to fight mathematically regardless of the results of your other opponents."