After managing to record the worst title defence in Premier League history, it was no real surprise to see The Special One Jose Mourinho relieved of his duties as manager of Chelsea. Following a statement from the club, the 52 year old was sacked shortly after 1pm on Thursday afternoon, leaving people thinking…what’s next for Jose? Having engraved his name into managerial dominance back with Porto in 2004, Mourinho has gone on to manage the biggest clubs in the world, brining a vast amount of success everywhere he’s been. Undoubtedly, he’s one of the greatest managers in recent history with League titles in Spain, Italy, Portugal and of course England, as well as 3 champions league triumphs. His pedigree has been altered however due to his arrogant and glum portrayal from the media, especially during his spells in England and Spain. None the less, any major European team would want to acquire his services, it’s just a question of who?
Jumping over to Italy, a league Jose knows all too well, having won the treble with a highly rampant Inter Milan side back in 2010. Sitting astute in 5th place is Rudi Garcia’s lacklustre AS Roma side, out of form and dangerously close to missing out on a Champions League spot, if their recent fortunes venture on into the new year. The Giallarossi have had a torrid time of late, having not won a game in all competitions in the previous 6 matches, which isn’t helping their title hopes due to the slight blight of Juventus. With Garcia running out of ideas, with the crowd furiously against him, it almost makes complete sense for a manager with elite status in Serie A and European competitions to step in and take Roma to the next lesson. On the market at present, there is no better man for the job than Jose, who’s got the experience of the league and would give the Olimpico faithful a much needed lift, as well as the players. In reality, the club president James Pallotta recently gave Garcia the vote of confidence, so it may come to the annoyance of Roma’s supporters that Jose taking the reigns looks unlikely. Nonetheless, dropped points against Genoa and Chievo could put Garcia out of work, which would certainly put The Special One in the frame for the job.
With job prospects low in the current market, there are only a few realistic options that could be genuine for Mourinho to consider. One of which is the possibility of taking over Athletico Madrid. With Chelsea keen on landing Diego Simeone in the summer, could Jose jump ship to the Red and White side of Madrid? Having left the Galactico’s in a cynical manner back in 2013, this would be a real kick in the teeth to Real Madrid, almost insulting. Yet it’s a move that would again make complete sense as Atleti have the ambition and resources for success, it’s just how to utilise the potential that is stopping The Rojiblancos from really marking their territory in La Liga as serious title challengers each year. If Chelsea came knocking for their Argentinian talisman Diego, I’m sure they’d jump at the chance of bringing Jose Mourinho to the Vincent Calderon.
Being one of the only major European leagues unknown for Jose, Ligue 1 could be the destination come the summer, specifically Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisian side are in a solid state currently, yet with Laurent Blanc’s contract due to expire in the summer, their wealthy owners will be looking for imminent replacements in order to take PSG to European dominance. Mourinho knows PSG all too well, having been knocked out by the French giants of the Champions League last season, yet this would not play any part In his decision to move to the French capital. Between Roma and Athletico, the prospect of Jose linking up with Zlatan again seems most likely to come off. The resources, location and ambition are all their for Mourinho to jump in and swoop success from beneath Laurent Blanc’s feet, whom has never tasted European success.
For now, It looks like The Special One will take time off, maybe take a long holiday and reconsider his options for the summer. One thing that’s clear is that wherever he goes, he’ll still bring the chaotic mayhem that has followed him throughout the later stages of his managerial career.
@CharlieLOFC
Editor note – As this is Charlie’s last article for TFF, I would like to thank him for all his hard work since our launch.
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