Former Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho has stated that he wants to coach Portugal while he still has strength in his body. However, Mourinho did not specify whether he wants to go to a Portuguese club or the national team. Previously, he had expressed hope to coach the Portuguese national team before retiring from coaching. “I want to go to Portugal to coach while my mind is still sharp and I have strength in my body, at my peak in coaching. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. I feel like I’m closer to it now than before,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho, who has achieved many successes in Europe, is now considered by some to be an outdated coach. Many believe that his need to coach in Turkey is evidence of this. Mourinho last coached in Portugal in 2004. He led Porto to Champions League victory that year. Since then, he has coached Chelsea in England twice. He is also the most successful coach of that club. After this, he also achieved success coaching Real Madrid in Spain and Inter Milan in Italy. After leading Inter Milan to Champions League victory, he went on to coach Roma in Italy and led the club to UEFA Conference League victory as well.
Fenerbahçe is the 11th position he has coached since leaving Portugal. The 62-year-old coach said he needs to go to Portugal not to retire. “I don’t need to go to Portugal in the latter part of my age. I should go earlier than that. I hope I’ll get the opportunity while I still have time to contribute something,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho, who has been recognized as one of Europe’s most successful coaches, has not coached in only one major league so far – the German league. Saudi clubs are also waiting for his assistance.
