AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho gaining attention from his native Portugal as the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) want him to coach the national team.
Portugal were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar at the quarter-final stage after suffering a surprising 1-0 defeat to Morocco, and Fernando Santos terminated his contract by mutual consent after eight years in charge.
Portugal won Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League title under Santos, but with a new generation of promising stars emerging, the FBF hope that Mourinho can lead them to further glory.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the FPF are offering Mourinho the chance to coach the National Team and AS Roma simultaneously, but they want the 59-year-old to give them a response in the near future.
Could Mourinho coach Portugal and AS Roma at the same time?
Mourinho is one of the greatest coaches that has come from Portugal, if not the greatest, and he has won numerous trophies at prestigious clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Despite his incredible tactical nous, it must be said that he has also been blessed to have coached some of the best players in the world throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and coaching a national team does not give him the chance to buy players from elsewhere or time to work on various tactical schemes.
The 59-year-old is also in his second season in charge of AS Roma and he rarely stays at a club for more than three years. If he does take on the Portugal job, do not be surprised if the national team role eventually becomes his only form of employment.
Could Mourinho guide a new generation to success?
Mourinho is known for his tactical smarts, ability to create a siege mentality, and experience in handling big names and egos. Although Cristiano Ronaldo is in the twilight of his international career, Mourinho would still have the opportunity to coach some promising talents if he is to take the Portugal job.
With the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao, Diogo Dalot, and Joao Felix to work with, there is no shortage of talent to lure the 59-year-old to the role.
Portugal won the European Championship and Nations League in the 2010s, but they have not won the World Cup yet, achieving their best result at the 1966 World Cup when they finished third.
If there is anyone out there with the ability and pedigree to coach Portugal, it is Mourinho. However, it remains to be seen if he is content to remain in club football or consider a foray in coaching an international squad.
