Transfer mogul Jorge Mendes is lobbying for his client Jose Mourinho to join Barcelona as a replacement for coach Xavi.
A few weeks ago, Mendes predicted the possibility of Roma sacking Mourinho. Therefore, he contacted the Barca leadership, recommending "The Special One." Mendes believed that, with his talent and strong personality, Mourinho could help stabilize the Barca dressing room and increase professional competition.
After winning the La Liga title last season, Barca are showing signs of slowing down. Xavi's team currently sits third in La Liga with 41 points after 19 matches, seven points behind Real Madrid. Most recently, they suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat against rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. Spanish media suggest that many key players are becoming dissatisfied with coach Xavi's methods.
Mourinho was moved to tears as fans chanted his name on his way out of Roma's headquarters on January 16th. Photo: X
Mourinho has just been sacked by Roma. Despite leading his team to the 2021-2022 Conference League title, the club's first European Cup ever, and reaching the 2022-2023 Europa League final, the Portuguese manager has been criticized for his team's poor performance in Serie A. His team finished sixth for two consecutive seasons and even ninth this season.
Currently, Mourinho's potential move to Barcelona is uncertain. According to Mundo Deportivo , one of the obstacles is Mourinho's previous strained relationship with Barca, dating back to his time managing Inter and Real Madrid. "The Special One" angered Barca fans with his provocative celebration after the second leg of the 2009-2010 Champions League semi-final (Inter won 3-2 on aggregate) at Camp Nou. He also faced intense criticism for poking Barca's assistant coach, Tito Vilanova, in the eye during the 2012 Spanish Super Cup match.
Therefore, while agreeing professionally with Mendes, President Joan Laporta is still considering the matter.
Besides Mourinho, Barca also have the option of bringing in B team coach Rafa Marquez as a replacement in case Xavi is sacked. A third option is Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to seventh place in Serie A this season. Motta won the Champions League with Barca in 2006 and is a close friend of Sporting Director Deco.
Conversely, besides Barca, Mourinho could also work in Saudi Arabia. According to revelations from last summer, he received attractive offers from clubs in that country such as Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Ittihad.
Mourinho could also be targeting the Portugal national team manager position, currently held by Roberto Martinez. Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf said: "I spoke to Mourinho when he was managing Chelsea or Real Madrid. He admitted that the last thing he wanted to do in his coaching career was manage the Portugal national team. I think that would be his goal. Things are complicated because Roberto Martinez is still there. But let's see how the Euros go and then he might have a chance."
Mourinho has won 26 club titles with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Roma. Five of those titles include two Champions League titles with FC Porto and Inter, two Europa League/UEFA Cup titles with FC Porto and Manchester United, and one Conference League title with Roma. Mourinho is the only manager to have won all three of UEFA's current European Cups.
Thanh Quy (according to MD )
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