ThewolfAfter the Fenerbahce manager claimed he could one day take on a struggling English team, Telegraph Sport analyses his best options
Jose Mourinho put himself on the job market for when he leaves Fenerbahce as he took a swipe at getting sent off in the Europa League clash against his old club Manchester United.
Mourinho claimed he would take on a struggling Premier League team once his time in Turkey is over and said: “The best thing I have to do, when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that doesn’t play Uefa competitions. So if anybody from England from the bottom of the table needs a coach in two years I am ready to go.”
So, where could Mourinho go? Telegraph Sport picks out his best options if he fancied another crack at the Premier League – and imagines the moment it turns sour.
West Ham
Julen Lopetegui looks a manager under pressure at the start of the season with just one Premier League win in his first seven games at the London Stadium. Having managed at Chelsea and Tottenham, Mourinho is no stranger to crossing the rivalries in the capital and West Ham’s ambitions, location and large fan base makes it an attractive proposition for managers.
Mourinho famously talked about football “heritage” while at United, and West Ham have their rich history in English football, seen in the World Cup Sculpture outside Upton Park featuring 1966 heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson.
Jose suitability – 5/5
Moment it goes to pot – The big fixture against Chelsea and he praises his old team’s supporters. It never lasts long once the fans have turned.
Everton
They have already tried a Galactico manager in Carlo Ancelotti, who has done OK since leaving for Real Madrid – just the two Champions League triumphs since returning to the Bernabeu. The proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group gives the opportunity for a reset after battling against relegation in recent seasons, as does the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Fans invaded the pitch in celebration when they survived relegation under Frank Lampard in 2022 – but have they moved forward much since? They have Sean Dyche – AKA the Ginger Mourinho – in charge but Mourinho would give hope of climbing up the table. The only potential snag is the small matter of Mourinho being sacked by Friedkin while at Roma.
Jose suitability – 5/5
Moment it goes to pot – Red card in a Merseyside derby followed by a touchline ban. Mourinho sits in the stands as Everton slide down the table.
Crystal Palace
Mourinho has made no secret of his love for Palace through the years. When he was at Inter Milan he said he wanted to be back in London “if it is not working at Chelsea, then Crystal Palace or somebody else”.
When he eventually made it back to the Premier League he heaped praise on Palace supporters over the atmosphere at Selhurst Park, saying it had an impact on away teams. Oliver Glasner’s honeymoon period at Palace is over and he is still looking for his first Premier League win of the season, prompting uncertainty over his position at the club.
Jose suitability – 3/5
Moment it goes to pot – Going a January transfer window without a big-name signing.
Manchester United
Could it happen? Probably not. Mourinho hardly fits into the Ineos model under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football team under Dan Ashworth. But they fit the bill in Mourinho’s criteria – they are currently in the bottom half of the table and looking to recapture their former glories.
Mourinho joked about getting his winners’ medal if Manchester City get their titles taken away from them. Jokes aside, finishing second that 2017-18 season was regarded as one of his greatest achievements given the circumstances – and mess – at Old Trafford.
Jose suitability – 1/5
Moment it goes to pot – Luke Shaw gets back from injury but Jose is not happy with his defending… and goes public.
Leicester
They also have “heritage” as Premier League winners in one of the greatest title upsets in sporting history. They have one of the best training grounds in England and are looking to stay stable in the top-flight having gone up under Enzo Maresca.
However after they appointed Steve Cooper, 44, in the summer, it looks like their model is for younger, innovative coaches rather than a managerial giant.
Jose suitability – 1/5
Moment it goes to pot – Goes on the offensive over referees as the top-six get all the decisions.
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