Mourinho sack details emerge as ex-Roma chief lifts lid on working relationship
Former Roma general manager Tiago Pinto has claimed it was "not possible" to work normally with Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed as the Italian club's manager in January.
Mourinho reached two European finals in his first two seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, winning the inaugural Europa Conference League. His third season came to an early end, though, with the Giallorossi higher-ups pulling the plug with the team down in ninth.
Pinto left the club in February, with his exit announced before Mourinho's dismissal. The 39-year-old had been with Roma for three years, initially joining from Benfica, and has been linked with Newcastle as a potential replacement for Dan Ashworth.
He has taken a short break after leaving the Italian capital, while he weighs up his next move. And he has reflected on his relationship with Mourinho over the last few years.
“Don’t get me wrong, when you work with a man with such a huge profile, it’s demanding," Pinto told i. "And he is demanding because he has achieved so much and has high standards,” he says.
Ten Hag has chance to end unacceptable Man Utd wait he immediately acknowledged“Don’t forget that I’m Portuguese and I started to work with him when I was 36. For a young sporting director to work normally with Mourinho, it’s not possible.
“I learned a lot from him. He’s one of the most important managers in the history of football. Football is like everything, you have cycles. Sometimes you agree, sometimes you disagree but no-one can minimise the great impact he had at Roma.”
Where will Jose Mourinho land next? Have your say in the comments section
Mourinho, too, has yet to decide on his next move. There have been links with former club Chelsea, albeit more from supporters than anything more concrete, and indicated earlier this month that he was waiting for the right opportunity.
"I’m not in a rest, I want to work," he told beIN Sports. "I want to work but I just don’t want to have the wrong decision. I have to wait for the right one, the one that motivates me. But if I could work tomorrow I would work tomorrow."
Pinto, meanwhile, recognises Mourinho the person still has plenty of pull across the game. “What really impresses you on a daily basis is what he means for people,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re in London, Reykjavik, Dubai or wherever, what Jose means to people is something amazing. And there are coaches who won as much or even more than him but it’s difficult to find someone who touches people’s hearts like he does."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our