By Gary Scott
Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Manchester United last December, firmly believes his football coaching career isn’t over yet. The controversial tactician recently had an opportunity to address his managerial future while working as a studio analyst for DAZN España during their coverage of the Carabao Cup.
Mourinho, 56, is currently a free agent after he parted ways with the Red Devils. Under his tutelage, Man United won the EFL and Europa League Cup titles in his first season but the club dramatically underperformed during the 2018-19 season, leading to his dismissal.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese manager remains upbeat on his chances of landing a job elsewhere this summer. “In this short phase of my life, which I hope is only until June, I’m more concerned about what others would do than what I would do,” said Mourinho, who is reportedly targeting a potential move to France’s top-tier competition, Ligue 1.
Setting aside his short temper and brow-raising antics, Mourinho is without a doubt among the best managers in the history of football. He has won a total of 25 trophies throughout his illustrious career, leading Porto and Inter-Milan to Champions League titles, Real Madrid to a Spanish La Liga victory and Chelsea to three Premier League titles.
Right now, José Mourinho is enjoying a break from his coaching career, working instead as a TV pundit. After appearing on beIN last month, covering the Asian Cup games, he is also commenting Premier League games. Just this week, Mourinho was also announced as an ambassador for the newly launched sports streaming platform DAZN.
“I am very excited to join this platform as a global ambassador and to connect with football fans all over the world”, said the former Manchester United coach. He also added that he enjoyed “the authenticity of DAZN and the way they overcome the barriers of sports broadcasting”.
Last year, during the 2018 World Cup, Mourinho was also part of the Russian-based RT coverage of the competition.
Eden Hazard’s Galactico Personality and Kepa’s hussle
Mourinho, who happens to be a former manager at both the Santiago Bernabéu and Stamford Bridge, views Belgian skipper and Chelsea star Eden Hazard as a perfect fit for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese has no doubt Hazard possesses both world-class football skills and poise to thrive in a Real Madrid jersey.
“Does he have the talent to play for Real Madrid? He does. Does he have the personality to put on a ‘super-heavy’ shirt and play in front of the fans at the Bernabeu? Yes, he has the personality,” said Mourinho.
Real Madrid has been targeting Hazard for quite some time, and the Belgian’s decision to put his contract talks with Chelsea on hold could open the door for a potential Spanish La Liga stint.
Chelsea’s current performance, which saw them accumulate losses to both Manchester clubs in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup competitions, and the tense environment that surrounds the locker room and their current coach Maurizio Sarri, might accelerate this process.
Mourinho also commented on the players’ relationship with the Italian coach, talking specifically about the whole situation of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who refused to be substituted in the final of the Carabao Cup against Manchester City, causing a very unusual and extremely awkward moment.
“On one hand, he’s showing personality and confidence by wanting to play, I like that”, admitted Mourinho. “Despite this, the Portuguese stated that “by not leaving he left his manager, staff and a teammate in a complicated situation. It saddens me for them.”
Sitting in the 6th position in the Premier League at the moment, Chelsea must up their game in order to finish in the top 4 of the competition, otherwise they will need to win the Europa League in order to participate in the Champions League next season. Chelsea have reached the last 16 of the UEL tournament, where they will face Dinamo Kyiv next.