Where next for Mourinho? 5 Possible Destinations
It does not take a genius to figure out that Real Madrid have almost no chance of winning La Liga this season. While it was all too rosy at this period of time last year, it hasn’t been smooth sailing at all this season, as Real are currently 15 points off the pace, having played a game more than their arch rivals (18, if Barcelona win theirs). The drama surrounding the dropping of Iker Casillas has not helped either. Almost certainly, Real Madrid are out of the race for La Liga (to make matters worse, it is their cross town rivals, the “other” club in Madrid, that is looking most likely to chase the Catalans) and the only satisfaction they can derive out of this season is if they manage to win the Champions League. But for achieving that, they need to overcome Manchester United first. But what if they cannot? Will Mourinho be sacked instantly then? Whether it is the failure to even challenge for La Liga, or the not-so-good relationship with Perez, the media or the fans, and finally the benching of Saint Iker, Mourinho looks all set to leave Real in the summer. So what are the possible destinations? Which clubs can tempt Mourinho into taking charge?
Four of the 5 clubs below are from England (one slightly controversial to the reader). Let us have a look at them, in no specific order.
Will he come back to where he belongs?
No doubt Roman Abramovich is after Pep Guardiola to take over from Benitez as he seeks to build a Barcelona in Blue shirts. Constant fear of the Russian’s axe may finally convince Pep into rejecting the offer, no matter what salary he is likely to get. But with Roman, you never know what is coming. Since his relationship with Mourinho is said to have healed completely, Mourinho would have no second thoughts for a second stint at his “second” home (after Porto). This would go down very well with fans who can rejoice a romantic reunion and also help bridge the ever-growing gap between the supporters and the board. Mourinho even claims he has unfinished business at Chelsea, as he won everything there except the Champions League during his exceptional stint.
Probability – Medium. Assuming Pep rejects Roman’s offer, Mourinho would certainly be the second man to get a call from the Russian.
Succeeding the Scot – One of the Contenders
Sir Alex cannot go on forever, he has to step down some day or the other. Inspite of being fierce rivals by the touchline, Fergie and Mourinho claim to be great friends off it (much like Federer and Nadal). Regular reports of meeting up for dinner all over the world (whether they are to be believed is not the point of discussion here) and possible discussions regarding succession at Manchester United do not seem improbable. Mourinho joining Manchester United would certainly not please Chelsea fans, who feel he is one of theirs. However, from Manchester United’s point of view, Jose would be the ideal replacement as he is similar to Fergie, getting into the head of the opposition managers, getting the best out of his players, always involved with the media, and possibly a bit more tactically astute. The only possible stumbling block would be Mourinho’s slightly nomadic nature, which might not suit Manchester United’s policy of employing a manager for the long term.
Probability – Low. Ferguson has said he has at least two more seasons left in him, so, barring unexpected circumstances, it is very unlikely that he will retire at the end of the current season and pave the way for Mourinho.
These are difficult times. Is he the next to go?
The coming few months are crucial for Mancini. Failure to get past the group stages of the Champions League for two successive seasons with such a squad is likely to invite the sack at most clubs, but the Sheikh seems to be a patient owner. The last minute Premier League win and the FA Cup the season before has helped Mancini to save himself so far. Inspite of the Champions League setbacks, Mancini has still delivered one trophy per season. Failure to retain the league title this time around, and facing a tough fight for second, or a failure to win the FA Cup, might possibly be the end of Mancini at City. Mourinho joining City (and succeeding Mancini at a club for the second time) would mean he would again have close to unlimited money to buy all the players he wants to, without direct interference from the owner/board. But it would also reunite him with Mario Balotelli (assuming the Italian stays put there without further trouble), and we all can expect some fireworks!
Probability – Medium. Manchester City are looking nowhere close to the team they were last season, and could potentially stumble in the FA Cup if pitted against Premier League rivals. With chances of a league title dwindling, Mancini may go the way Mark Hughes did, and the board will no doubt consider Mourinho.
Hey, no sacking me just yet!
The most happening club in Europe right now, PSG, under Qatari ownership, are aiming to reach the peak of European football. Inspite of PSG leading Ligue 1 late in 2011, they sacked coach Antoine Kombouare and replaced him with Carlo Ancelotti. The double signings of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer of 2012 made other clubs and fans sit up and take notice of their intentions. While their fans will take offence, PSG have made a habit of being slightly glamorous, showing a liking for all that is high-profile, like the signing of Javier Pastore in 2011, followed by more arrivals like Alex, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, and the where-will-he-go saga involving Lucas Moura. His predecessor was sacked inspite of topping the league, thus Carlo Ancelotti would know that his situation is not so safe. Should Mourinho be available, PSG would definitely dump their current manager and go for the more glamorous one. On a personal front, the situation could turn out to ideal for Jose. With all their backing, he could help lead PSG to the Champions League and put his name in the record books. The chance of becoming the first ever manager to win the competition with three different clubs might look very appealing to Mourinho. Having managed in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, Mourinho would very much be interested to test himself in this uncharted territory of France.
Probability – Medium. If PSG could just look past the Channel and into London, they would find a club having all the riches possible and yet, sacking one manager after another. Ideally, as an upcoming superpower, PSG should not want to portray a he-sacks-when-he-wants image of themselves by sacking Carlo even if he wins them something, just for the sake of employing a more glamorous manager. But in club football, you never know, and if they decide to part ways with Carlo, an unsettled Mourinho at Real would be the perfect candidate. Recent rumours of PSG making contact with Ronaldo, as well as Mourinho have only fuelled speculation regarding this!
Getting complete backing for his project
This is the controversial choice mentioned at the very beginning of this article. But, why not? The American owners want to build a team with a winning mentality and restore the club to where the fans think it belongs. Mourinho has got the best out of every squad he has worked with, so in case he is appointed as the Liverpool manager, expect the best out of players like Sturridge, Allen, Sterling or Suso and a few departures of non-performers as well. While the reaction of Liverpool fans to Mourinho sitting in their dugout would be similar to what Rafa is experiencing now at Stamford Bridge, they would know deep down that they have one of the best in the business to restore the club as title contenders.
Probability – Extremely Low. The American owners have made it perfectly clear that they will back Brendan Rodgers’ project in the long term, and won’t decide his future on the basis of short term results. Thus, expect Brendan Rodgers to stay even if Liverpool finish mid-table.
Hard to believe it now!
Seriously? Eye poking with Tito Vilanova, allegations of being owned by UEFA, Messi winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of his man Ronaldo, his Inter Milan side parking the bus in front of Barcelona – we could go on and on about Mourinho’s frosty relationship with the Catalans. As the picture above ironically proves, Barcelona was where he began his coaching career (I mean one of those people assisting the manager). As Vilanova battles cancer, and with Pep Guardiola very unlikely to return, Jose might get one back on Perez by merely joining hands with the enemy. Making comments on the Real Madrid President immediately upon becoming the Barca manager will not endear himself completely with the Barca faithful, but it is at least a start! However, Mourinho’s tactics of employing a rigid setup focused more on defensive discipline than attacking flair, and a liking for the long ball game goes totally against Barcelona’s passing philosophy. As long as the world continues to exist as it is now, do not expect to see such an appointment. But you never know what might happen. Isn’t someone feeling the heat now, having labelled fans of a club as “plastic fans”?
Probability – Close To NIL. Stranger things have happened! For all we can predict, he may even end up as the next England manager!
Assuming he parts company with Real Madrid, which club is Mourinho more likely to join? Does the reader agree with the clubs mentioned or does he feel another club has more chances of getting him? Vote here (Barcelona has not been included!) and comment!