Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho has no intention of taking a lengthy break from management despite only recently leaving his post at the Stadio Olimpico. Giallorossi sacked the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ in the wake of a thumping 3-1 defeat at Milan in mid-January, appointing club legend Daniele De Rossi as his successor.
Yesterday, Tiago Pinto admitted the firing of Mourinho left him heartbroken. However, it has led to the club’s prosperity as De Rossi got Roma back on the rails. At the time of his arrival, Giallorossi languished in Serie A mid-table. But fast forward two months, they’re genuine top-four contenders, trailing fourth-placed Bologna by three points.
Mourinho spent two and a half years at Roma, inspiring the Italian powerhouse to their first continental success in 2021/22. Despite winning the Europa Conference League in his first season in charge, the 61-year-old paid a hefty price for the capital outfit’s downfall in 2023/24. However, another dismissal has not deterred him from seeking a new job.
Regardless of his exuberant nature and toxic relationship with the media, Mourinho is still one of the world’s most decorated coaches. Even his unceremonious Roma exit has not affected his household status in world football, with numerous top clubs emerging as potential destinations for the famous Portuguese tactician.
Several wealthy sides from the Saudi Pro League have registered an interest in Mourinho, whereas, in Europe, Chelsea and Newcastle United have been touted as potential candidates to hire the former Roma boss. But he has yet to receive a tangible offer.
Asked if he had received any proposals, he replied (via Daily Mirror): “Zero, zero. I don’t have a club, I’m free. But I want to work. In the summer, I want to work.“
Let’s look at three possible landing spots for the legendary manager.
Sci-fi Scenario
During the final stretch of Rudi Garcia’s dismal tenure at Napoli, Mourinho’s name had surfaced among possible replacements for another former Roma coach. Although Aurelio De Laurentiis filled the void left by caretaker boss Walter Mazzarri’s departure with a temporary solution in Francesco Calzona, the reigning Serie A champions will need a permanent option at the end of a dreadful 2023/24 campaign.
Some reports even went as far as to claim the pair met in secrecy to discuss a possible agreement. As the dust settled after Calzona’s arrival, talks over Mourinho’s move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona have gone radio-silent. Yet, this narrative could gain momentum when the transfer window reopens for business.
Mourinho spent nearly four years in Italy over two separate spells at Roma and Inter. On that basis, he could be inclined to accept the job in Naples, provided De Laurentiis puts forward a solid proposal.
Dark Horses
Chelsea are the only team to have hired Mourinho twice. His two stints at Stamford Bridge were successful, knowing he won the Premier League three times with the Blues. With Mauricio Pochettino flirting with a dismissal amidst an embarrassing league campaign, the London heavyweights could turn to their trusted ex-associate.
But watch out for Manchester United. Mourinho’s spell at Old Trafford didn’t go well, even though he led the Red Devils to the Europa League triumph in 2017. Erik ten Hag’s future at the club has come under heavy scrutiny following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of the club’s stakes. If United fail to qualify for the Champions League, the Dutchman could pack his bags at the end of the season. It’s needless to mention Mourinho has already joined a rumored group of theoretical replacements.
Petrodollars
Only a handful of football’s most prominent individuals have stayed immune to the Saudis’ charms. From Roger Ibanez to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, numerous ex-Serie A stars are basking in the petrodollars after leaving Italy for truckloads of money in the Middle East last summer.
Mourinho had reportedly turned down several lucrative bids from the Saudi Pro League clubs at the end of last season. But pledging his allegiance to Roma proved an unmitigated disaster. Given the Saudis’ well-documented persistence, aided by an unmatched financial prowess, it would be no surprise if the ‘Special One’ reunites with his Real Madrid pupil Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh next term.
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