When asked about links to Barcelona, Real Madrid’s rivals, Jose Mourinho responded in a telling way.
Mourinho was fired by Roma on Tuesday after serving as manager for two and a half years. The Portuguese manager led Roma to the Conference League and Europa League finals last season but was fired after a bad run of results.
His final match as Roma’s manager was a Coppa Italia derby loss against Lazio, where legendary Roma player Daniele De Rossi took over.
The former manager of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham has already been connected to several positions, one of which is at the ailing Barcelona.
A lot of pressure is on Xavi Hernandez, and Mourinho—who once worked for Barcelona under Louis van Gaal—has been suggested as a possible replacement.
The 60-year-old is not very popular with Barcelona supporters because of a sour rivalry in which he defeated them to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
He was just seen arriving at Barcelona airport, which fuels even more rumours that he would be managing the Blaugrana.
The Special One was pressed for information by the media, and while he remained silent, he did smirk when asked about rumours involving Barcelona.
Where Will Mourinho Go Next?
Following productive talks with the club, Mourinho was said to have reached a verbal agreement to take over as manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
He is claimed to have spoken with sporting director Domenico Tite via Zoom, but journalist Pedro Morata reports Mourinho ultimately refused the lucrative offer.
Instead, Mourinho is said to be looking for a role that will inspire him to return to the dugout as soon as possible.
Mourinho’s dream job is considered to be with the Portugal national team, but with Roberto Martinez at the helm, that move seems unlikely to materialize anytime soon.
