Jose Mourinho: Potential destinations after Roma sacking

It was a sacking that certainly caught Jose Mourinho off guard.

Romanisti had succumbed to the ‘Special One’s’ personality cult, and his deliverance of the Giallorossi’s first piece of major silverware in 14 years established Mourinho in Roman folklore. The connection between the manager and fans was unlike anything we’ve seen at the Olimpico in quite some time, but the ruthless Friedkins opted to cut ties.

Mourinho’s Roma are on course for their poorest league finish in 20 years, but there are some curious elements regarding the decision. The club, for example, have progressed into the UEFA Europa Conference League knockouts – the competition they won under Mourinho in 2022 – and the manager’s contract was bound to expire in the summer anyway. Was the payout really worth it?

While Mourinho can no longer be regarded among the elite of his craft in 2024, there’s no doubt that the all-time great won’t have to wait too long until he’s back in management. Someone is bound to get sucked in by the idea of Mourinho at the helm…but whom?

Here are six possible destinations for Mourinho after his Roma sacking – ranked

For a second, just a second, imagine it: Jose Mourinho returning the the club where it all started almost 30 years, helping Barcelona back to the top of European football.

Oh you can’t even imagine it? Well, neither can we to be honest.

Following his antics while head coach at Inter (see above) and Real Madrid (when he poked Tito Vilanova in the eye), it seems that there’s just too much bad blood between Mourinho and Barca for a reunion to ever happen.

From a financial perspective though, there is some sense in it. For all his flaws, Mou is box office and that added media attention could lead to added revenue for Barca.

Mourinho could be another lever for Barca to pull if things continue to go Pete Tong.

Fit? 1/10

There’s certainly a theme of reunion among the possible options for Mourinho post-Roma.

If he doesn’t reunite with Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge, then perhaps he could return to the club where he made his name. It was at Porto where Mourinho claimed his maiden Champions League crown, and established himself as Europe’s hottest managerial property.

Sergio Conceicao is into his seventh year in charge at Porto, and a natural parting of ways could ensue at the end of 2023/24…