Jose Mourinho has hinted at his impending return to football management, after his most recent interview put Chelsea and Newcastle United on notice. The special one has remained unemployed, after being fired by Serie A team Roma in January.
There aren’t many well-known managers who are able to top Mourinho. One of the most successful managers in football history, the Portuguese coach has won two Champions League crowns in the past in addition to more than 20 major honours. However, Mourinho hasn’t been tempted to return to work after being fired by Roma earlier this year.
That might be about to change, though, as the former manager of Manchester United and Real Madrid declared that he is “ready to start again” in an interview with Fabrizio Romano for Topps UK.
Mourinho hints at coaching role again
“I’m ready to start again. Sometimes when you end at a club you feel like you’re in need of a rest, of a think, to process things.” – Mourinho told Fabrizio.
He continued: “But in this case one day after I left, I was ready to go. I feel strong, I feel good, I love the work. I’m really ready. But I don’t want to make the wrong choice”.
“I cannot accept something just because of the feeling and the passion to be back. So I have to be patient. Normally, we are in March, is something going to happen in March or April? It’s very difficult. So my objective is to start next summer.”
Given that Mourinho is a manager whose reputation and track record speak for themselves, it will be exciting news to those clubs who may be looking for a new manager during the off-season. Newcastle is one team that has been connected to the 61-year-old, as concerns about current manager Eddie Howe’s track record of regularly making it into the Champions League are starting to surface.
The fact that Newcastle are unlikely to play in Europe this season will not sit well with the free-spending owners at St. James’ Park, who may decide to make a move as a result. Chelsea, who have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Mourinho, are now one point and one place below the Magpies in the Premier League standings with a game in hand.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has also faced criticism for his team’s performances this season, much like Howe did at Newcastle, and Todd Boehly and company are reportedly keeping an eye on the situation. In the event that they choose to break away with the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mourinho will likely come back to Stamford Bridge for a third managerial spell.
