Portuguese Coach Jose Mourinho was Quizzed by Reporters about Taking Charge of Barcelona
247-Sports-HD
2024-01-21
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Jose Mourinho smiled at questions regarding his future after touching down in Barcelona just days after being sacked as Roma boss.
The Special One enjoyed a successful start in the Italian capital, leading the club to its first European trophy in more than half a century, and securing Europa Conference League glory during his first season in charge.
He then followed the initial success by leading the club to the final of the Europa League last season, before a disappointing start to the current campaign left them languishing four points outside of the European places in Serie A.
Such is the 60-year-old's popularity in Rome, fans unfurled banners at the Stadio Olimpico thanking Mourinho for his time at the club as they beat Hellas Verona on Saturday in the first game since his departure.
Speculation mounted even during his time at Roma that Mourinho could depart for a potentially lucrative position in Saudi Arabia with reports only growing in intensity following his sacking.
However, journalist Pedro Morata noted that he has ruled out a move to Pro League side Al Shabab instead favouring a challenge that would motivate him.
A return to a top European club would certainly fit that bill, and Mourinho was quizzed by reporters at the airport in Barcelona about the potential for him to take over at the Catalan club.
Despite storming to their 27th league title amidst financial problems last season, Xavi's once unquestionable security as manager has appeared increasingly tenuous in recent weeks.
Reports suggest the club legend has lost the confidence of multiple first-team players, with discontent in the dressing room compounded by faltering results on the pitch including a 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Even if the club ultimately opts to part ways with Xavi, an appointment of Mourinho would come distinctly out of left field.
Only two men, Enrique Fernandez and Radomir Antic, have taken charge of the two sides with the latter's spell in Catalonia lasting just six months before he was replaced by Frank Rijkaard in 2003.
The Special One enjoyed a successful start in the Italian capital, leading the club to its first European trophy in more than half a century, and securing Europa Conference League glory during his first season in charge.
He then followed the initial success by leading the club to the final of the Europa League last season, before a disappointing start to the current campaign left them languishing four points outside of the European places in Serie A.
Such is the 60-year-old's popularity in Rome, fans unfurled banners at the Stadio Olimpico thanking Mourinho for his time at the club as they beat Hellas Verona on Saturday in the first game since his departure.
Speculation mounted even during his time at Roma that Mourinho could depart for a potentially lucrative position in Saudi Arabia with reports only growing in intensity following his sacking.
However, journalist Pedro Morata noted that he has ruled out a move to Pro League side Al Shabab instead favouring a challenge that would motivate him.
A return to a top European club would certainly fit that bill, and Mourinho was quizzed by reporters at the airport in Barcelona about the potential for him to take over at the Catalan club.
Despite storming to their 27th league title amidst financial problems last season, Xavi's once unquestionable security as manager has appeared increasingly tenuous in recent weeks.
Reports suggest the club legend has lost the confidence of multiple first-team players, with discontent in the dressing room compounded by faltering results on the pitch including a 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Even if the club ultimately opts to part ways with Xavi, an appointment of Mourinho would come distinctly out of left field.
Only two men, Enrique Fernandez and Radomir Antic, have taken charge of the two sides with the latter's spell in Catalonia lasting just six months before he was replaced by Frank Rijkaard in 2003.
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