Mercato: things are seriously complicated for José Mourinho

The year 2024 started very badly for José Mourinho. After a victory on January 3 in the Italian Cup against Cremonese, Special One and AS Roma followed up with a draw against Atalanta (January 7) then two defeats against Lazio (January 10) and AC Milan (January 14). This final setback against the Rossoneri (3-1) was too much for the Portuguese technician who will celebrate his 61st birthday on the 26th of this month. While the transalpine press mentioned a possible contract extension for the coach linked to La Louve until next June, Dan and Ryan Friedkin decided to end their collaboration with him this Tuesday morning.

In the press release announcing his departure, the leaders had a few words for the coach whom they sought in May 2021 a few months after his complicated time at Tottenham. “We thank José on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for the passion and commitment he has shown since his arrival at the Giallorossi. We will always have fond memories of his leadership, but we believe that, in the best interests of the Club, immediate change is necessary. We wish José and his colleagues the best for the future.”

Mourinho sees himself in Saudi Arabia one day

Mourinho will have to think about the future. We imagine that he will take a few months off before embarking on a new project, unless a great opportunity presents itself to him. But where can he bounce back now? Recently his name has been linked to Brazil. In search of a coach after the failure of the path leading to Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian federation (CBF) would have attempted an approach to the Portuguese, who had the advantage of speaking the language and being experienced. But Mourinho denied it. In the process, Dorival Junior was appointed head of the Seleção.

Taking charge of the Portuguese national team, which is the dream of many people in the country, is not on the agenda. The position is already occupied by Roberto Martinez. Same thing for Saudi Arabia, where his name circulated for a while. But Roberto Mancini is on the selection bench. On the other hand, it is very likely that Saudi Pro League clubs will approach him. Especially since the former Chelsea coach, who joined the board of directors of the Mahd Sports Academy for a period of three years last August, opened the door to the Gulf country recently.

Few prestigious benches are free

“No one knows the future, but I am convinced that I will work in Saudi Arabia one day. I don’t know when, but I’m pretty sure.”, he confided. A call of the foot that did not go unnoticed. Recruiting a coach of such caliber would be a big move on the part of the SPL. It remains to be seen which club will grab him first. Al-Ettifaq, where Steven Gerrard is under threat, may be an option. But we imagine that Mourinho will instead sit on the bench of a big team like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad or Al-Ahly in the future. But at the moment none of these clubs are linked to him.

In Europe, there are few solutions left for the Setubal native. In Italy, he has already managed Inter and AS Roma. His credit seems exhausted, especially since he has had numerous clashes with his opponents or the referees. Same thing in England, where he experienced various fortunes at Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham. Despite everything, his experience and his charisma can still please clubs. In Germany, where he has not yet coached, the Bayern Munich bench is occupied by Thomas Tuchel. In the event of departure, Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen) is expected to take over.

A return to Portugal?

In Dortmund, Edin Terzic is not unanimous among his players but retains the confidence of his management for the moment. In France, PSG is the team that seems to best suit the Portuguese’s desires. Especially since he knows Luis Campos very well, who is a friend. But Luis Enrique is well established. Elsewhere in France, few clubs have the means and the ambitions that can match what they want. This, even if he has been approached in the past by OL. Finally, in Spain, he is still very appreciated by Florentino Pérez. The two men formed a very beautiful relationship.

Seeing him return to Real Madrid one day is not impossible, but we will have to wait until at least 2026. Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti recently extended his lease by two years. Atlético de Madrid, which is counting on Diego Simeone, and FC Barcelona, ​​which is banking on Xavi while thinking of Rafa Marquez for the future, do not seem to be within his reach. There are few solutions left for Mourinho, who risks having touches in Turkey or less upscale clubs. He could also return to the country. Here again, the prestigious benches are already occupied. But there is no doubt that his name will be mentioned if a place becomes available in Porto or elsewhere. In the meantime, José Mourinho, who could very well be found as a television consultant as he has done in the past, will enjoy his free time with his loved ones.