Five options for one final job for Jose Mourinho after being sacked by Roma
Jose Mourinho has been shown the door at Roma after less than three years with his contract set to expire this summer.
The Special One has enjoyed mixed success during his second stint in Italy, which came after his triumphant spell at Inter Milan. He delivered the Europa Conference League but couldn't go one better last term as Roma were beaten in the Europa League final.
Mourinho has struggled to make Roma a domestic force with the capital club unable to mount anything like a title charge. His conduct has also been criticised on numerous occasions and, once again, he was sent off at the weekend after lamenting the referee as his side lost to AC Milan, leaving them ninth.
The charismatic Portuguese coach continues to have a pull despite not enjoying as much success in recent years. Mourinho has underlined his desire to return to management on numerous occasions, claiming he doesn't belong in the stands or the studio, and will no doubt seek his next opportunity.
Elite clubs around Europe may now be looking elsewhere with Mourinho's tactics not always the most endearing or entertaining. However plenty of owners will see what the Special One can bring and consider making an offer. We take a look at where he could go next.
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Saudi Arabia
This would be a clear choice - and it would be slightly surprising if he hadn't already had a subtle offer. As the Saudi Pro League looks to grow its stature big names are essential and Mourinho, whilst not being at the level he once was, is still a huge draw.
Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Roma (Getty Images)Not only that, he would command huge wages which could prove head turning. Mourinho has settled in Europe and a move to another continent may not appeal unless he gets financially rewarded and the chance to work with top players, many of which are now heading to Saudi.
He has previously stated that he will definitely work in the Gulf state at some point in the future. "I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don't know when, but I am pretty sure of it," he said last year.
Is now the perfect time?
Newcastle
A move to St James' Park would present Mourinho with the chance to work at a fourth Premier League club. The resources available at Newcastle could also allow the Special One to have a go at toppling those teams who previously axed him from the dugout.
The Magpies have begun attracting big name players but adding a big-name manager would potentially help them in the transfer market. Bringing in a man with such vast winning experience could also aid a club who are very much learning on the job.
Newcastle's hierarchy have huge ambitions (Getty Images)Newcastle's owners have huge ambitions but bringing in Mourinho would represent a huge shift in the football that is currently being employed by Eddie Howe, which may require some thought.
Porto
The Portuguese club have only won the league three times in the past decade which, by their domestic standards, is something of a drought. Porto fans have largely had to see the two teams from Lisbon bask in glory, albeit they've still remained immensely competitive.
Mourinho though is still a God back at the Estadio do Dragao after his exploits in 2003 and 2004. A chance to return to his homeland may well appeal, but he certainly wouldn't enjoy the financial benefits he has elsewhere. Sérgio Conceição has been Porto's manager since 2017 and the club may well think a change could do them good.
Portugal
The Special One could yet look to adopt a more laid back life and step into international management for the first time, which is something he's frequently discussed. It seems as if his native country are the only team who could turn his head, and they have found themselves with a stellar generation.
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Portugal's current squad is littered with quality (Getty Images)Fernando Santos left his post recently with Roberto Martinez coming in as the new boss. However another poor tournament in which Portugal underdeliver could lead to a swift change in the dugout.
Few in his homeland would have any issue with Mourinho jumping into the hotseat and his more pragmatic approach could in fact lend itself to tournament football.
Napoli
Mourinho could yet remain in Italian football if Napoli opted to offer him a role with the future of Walter Mazzarri by no means assured. The Italian is back at the helm for a second time but the defending Italian champions are languishing down in eighth.
A spot in next year's Champions League is by no means guaranteed and, for a club who have largely been starved of success, bringing in the Special One might appeal. Napoli have always adopted a sense of tribalism when taking on some of Italy's elite - the likes of Juventus and the Milan clubs.
Mourinho's abrasive nature could well appeal to the city and the fans should he want to have another go at conquering Serie A.
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