The Special One’s Next Stop: Where Will Jose Mourinho Manage After AS Roma?

Potential clubs Jose Mourinho could manage after getting sacked by AS Roma

Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed “Special One,” is once again on the managerial market after being sacked by AS Roma. Despite winning the Europa Conference League in his first season, Mourinho’s time at the Italian club ended on a sour note, with inconsistent results and tensions with the board. But for a manager with his pedigree and track record of success, one door closing simply means another is about to open. So, where could Mourinho’s next adventure take him?

Premier League Provocations:

Chelsea: A return to west London for a third time appears plausible, given Mauricio Pochettino’s challenges in extracting optimal performances from the current player roster, despite substantial expenditures exceeding £1 billion since Todd Boehly assumed control. Chelsea has faced difficulties in keeping pace with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal this season, currently occupying the ninth position despite significant squad investments. 

With Todd Boehly seeking greater success following his substantial investment, the prospect of Jose Mourinho making a comeback at the Bridge becomes conceivable. If Pochettino’s managerial efforts continue to fall short, Mourinho might embark on a final turnaround at Chelsea in what could potentially be his last managerial role in English football.

A return to Stamford Bridge for a third stint would be a tantalizing prospect. Chelsea are inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, and Mourinho’s pragmatism and trophy-winning mentality could be appealing to the new ownership. However, his past relationship with the club and his volatile nature might make it a risky reunion.

LONDON – NOVEMBER 12: (L-R) Chief executive Peter Kenyon, Lord Richard Attenborough, manager Jose Mourinho and group business affairs director Paul Smith pose in front of the new Chelsea badge unveiled during a Chelsea Football Club press conference on November 12, 2004 at Stamford Bridge

Newcastle United: Eddie Howe faces mounting pressure for results at Newcastle, currently tenth in the Premier League and eliminated from the challenging UEFA Champions League group with AC Milan, PSG, and Borussia Dortmund. Injuries have hampered the Magpies’ form, and the ownership, eager for immediate success, could see Mourinho as a potential solution.

With Newcastle, Mourinho might find relief from the financial constraints he faced at Roma. This move would mark Mourinho’s fifth stint in England, now at his third different club, following spells at Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United, each with varying degrees of success.

The Magpies’ ambitious project under their Saudi Arabian ownership could be a good fit for Mourinho’s desire for instant success. His defensive solidity and counter-attacking style could complement Newcastle’s attacking talents, but his confrontational personality might clash with the club’s more relaxed culture.

Continental Contenders:

Inter Milan: A return to the San Siro, where Mourinho won the treble in 2010, would be a romantic storyline. However, Inter are currently on the rise under Simone Inzaghi and may not be willing to disrupt their progress for a nostalgic appointment.

Paris Saint-Germain: The Qatari-backed giants are always chasing Champions League glory, and Mourinho’s experience in Europe could be tempting. However, his prickly personality and his preference for defensive organization might not mesh well with PSG’s attacking superstars.

FC Porto: A potential return brimming with nostalgia, Porto achieved an improbable Champions League triumph in 2004 under Mourinho’s management, marking only his second season with the Portuguese club. Presently positioned third in Liga Portugal behind Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, Porto has advanced to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, where they are set to face Arsenal. 

Having consistently secured a top-two finish in the league since the 2015/16 season, anything below that would be deemed a disappointment for Porto. The current manager, Sergio Conceicao, appointed in 2017, has often been linked with other roles. If Conceicao were to depart, Mourinho is speculated to be a prime candidate for the managerial role, marking a potential reunion after two decades away from the club.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – MAY 26: Nuno Valente of FC Porto hugs his manager Jose Dos Santos Mourinho after winning the Champions League during the UEFA Champions League Final match between AS Monaco and FC Porto at the AufSchake Arena on May 26, 2004 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Al-Shabab FC: Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination not only for players but also for managers, as evidenced by the likes of Marcelo Gallardo, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Steven Gerrard taking up managerial positions in the Gulf nation.

‘The Special One,’ Jose Mourinho, has openly expressed his openness to managing in Saudi Arabia, and Al-Shabab is reportedly considering offering him such an opportunity. If realized, this move would mark Mourinho’s first departure from Europe in both his managerial and playing career.

Al-Shabab currently occupies the 11th position in the SPL table, and the potential appointment of Mourinho would serve as a significant statement of intent for the entire league.

Elsewhere in Saudi: If Al-Shabab doesn’t secure Mourinho’s services, he may find himself at another club in the SPL eventually. While the Portuguese manager might be waiting for another prominent European opportunity, if none materialises in the near future, a move to a Saudi club becomes increasingly likely.

Nuno, a compatriot of Mourinho, has already ventured to the Gulf nation, emphasising the high priority placed on immediate success by clubs investing significantly in their staff—something Mourinho is perceived to offer. Despite his illustrious 20-year career, the 60-year-old seems far from finished with the beautiful game.

International Intrigue:

Portugal National Team: Mourinho has expressed his desire to manage his home country one day. His passion and tactical nous could inspire a talented generation of Portuguese players. He might need to wait a little while if he wishes to manage the Portuguese National team. Roberto Martínez took over from Fernando Santos in 2023 and did the unthinkable by winning all 10 games for Euro 2024 qualifiers.

English National Team: The England managerial position, often regarded as a daunting challenge due to high expectations and a history of disappointing results, would mark Mourinho’s inaugural venture into international management, likely sparking diverse opinions. Gareth Southgate has overseen the English national team since late 2016, achieving notable successes like the 2018 World Cup semi-final and the Euro 2020 final, albeit ending in defeat on penalties against Italy at Wembley Stadium.

While Southgate is expected to lead England in Euro 2024, growing fan frustration over the prolonged trophy drought since the 1966 World Cup could potentially open the door for Mourinho. His proven track record in winning silverware at the club level raises questions about whether he can replicate such success in international football.

France National Team: Another national team job that could be on the horizon is France and Mourinho’s experience and winning mentality could be appealing to Les Bleus.

The Mourinho Mystery:

Ultimately, where Mourinho ends up next is anyone’s guess. His larger-than-life personality and unpredictable nature make him a constant source of intrigue in the football world. One thing is for sure: wherever he goes, Jose Mourinho will never be far from the headlines.

Additional Thoughts:

• Mourinho’s age and his recent struggles at Tottenham and Roma could make some clubs hesitant to appoint him.
• The financial resources available to the club will be a major factor in Mourinho’s decision.
• The opportunity to win trophies and compete at the highest level will be important to Mourinho.

It will be fascinating to see what the next chapter holds for Jose Mourinho. Will he return to a familiar stomping ground, embark on a new adventure, or take on a surprising challenge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the “Special One” is never far from the spotlight.