Ferdinand has perfect next job for Jose Mourinho after he clarifies 'agreement'

24 January 2024 , 10:36

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Rio Ferdinand would like to see Jose Mourinho manage England (Image: FIVE)

Rio Ferdinand would love to see Jose Mourinho England - but concedes there is no way the FA would consider hiring the former Manchester United and Tottenham coach.

Mourinho, 60, is unattached after being sacked by AS Roma last week and has already been linked with an array of high-profile jobs. He has stressed that he has nothing lined up, though, amid reports he had struck a verbal agreement with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab.

It is understood that Mourinho is in no rush to make a return to the dugout, but his availability is likely to remain a hot topic until he is in a new role. Speaking on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand touted Mourinho as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate; even if he admits such a move is unlikely.

He said: "I don't think the FA [would] hire a Jose Mourinho. I would. But I don't think the FA… they're not going from Gareth Southgate to Mourinho. That's too big of a difference in character and personality. It's not happening."

When it was then put to him that Mourinho could return to Chelsea for a third time, Ferdinand talked down the idea, outlining that owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were unlikely to turn to Mourinho despite his history with the Blues.

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"To Chelsea? Mourinho? No chance," he added. "They're going backwards. These guys… these Americans don't go backwards like that. Not backwards in talent or class… they're not going backwards and getting… that was an interim stopgap [the appointment of Frank Lampard].

"I would love to see Jose back there, I've got to be honest. Me, personally, Jose, please, I hope you get the job, if [Mauricio] Pochettino don't (sic) do well. I think they're gonna stay with Pochettino.

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Mourinho is unattached after being sacked by AS Roma (Tullio Puglia/UEFA)

"If he don't go [to] Chelsea, where does he go? Newcastle? I would love to see him there. But Eddie Howe, man, he's been unreal. I wouldn't want to see Eddie go."

Although Mourinho confirmed to Marca that he has no agreement with Al-Shabab amid interest in his services, he has previously confirmed he feels it is inevitable he will coach in Saudi Arabia after rebuffing a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal.

"I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there," he told MBC Egypt TV in October. "I don't know when, but I am pretty sure of it. No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this [working in Saudi Arabia]."

Dan Marsh