Page 25 - Soccer360 Issue 105

RIGHT:
Roma’s Belgian goalkeeper Mile Svilar controls the ball during the Serie A football match between Frosinone Calcio vs AS Roma
BELOW:
The Friedkins have invested millions of dollars into Roma but are yet to see a serious return
BOTTOM:
Mourinho was a volatile presence on the touchline
MOURINHO - WHAT NEXT?
Following his sacking by Roma, Stephen Kasiewicz asks where Jose Mourinho’s managerial career will lead him next.
Just days before his Roma dismissal
Jose Mourinho likened himself to Harry Potter. Despite the success he’s achieved in the past 20 years and constant personal reminders about the depth of his trophy cabinet, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ will have to muster up all his magical football powers to conjure
up a new job at a leading club in any of Europe’s top five leagues.
It might take some convincing for a coach that appears to be past his prime. Giallorossi owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin became tired of Mourinho’s pointedly controversial statements, exaggerated off-field antics and repeatedly poor results in Serie A. European success notwithstanding, the forthright tactician had become more of a liability than an asset in the Italian capital and his stock was firmly on the decline.
A third sacking in a little over five years, after distinctly underwhelming stints
at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, suggests that despite his stature and numerous past successes there is a growing groundswell of opinion that the Portuguese is no longer considered an elite manager.
Regardless of his unimpressive recent record there are likely to be plenty of suitors for the 61-year-old. His name, if nothing else, still has box office appeal. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis ruled out the possibility of Mourinho moving to the Partenopei at the end of the season, while a sensational return
to Old Trafford was one of several fantastical rumours in the aftermath of his Roma departure.
Mourinho reportedly rejected a lucrative deal to coach Al Shabab in the Saudi
Pro League but the Middle East seems a more realistic destination than a return to the English top-flight.
Although club management would appear to be the preference of the former Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid coach, a national team position cannot be ruled out.
Mourinho turned down an offer from Portugal in the past and could be tempted if the top job in his home country becomes available again.
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