Transfer agent Jorge Mendes is lobbying for his client Jose Mourinho to replace coach Xavi at Barca.
A few weeks ago, Mendes predicted the possibility of Roma firing Mourinho. Therefore, he contacted Barca's leadership and recommended the "Special One". Mendes believes that, with his talent and strong personality, Mourinho can help Barca stabilize the dressing room and increase professional competitiveness.
After winning La Liga last season, Barca are showing signs of slowing down. Xavi's team is currently third in La Liga with 41 points after 19 matches, seven points behind Real. Most recently, they were defeated 1-4 by rivals Real in the Spanish Super Cup final. Spanish media said that many key players are starting to get annoyed with coach Xavi's way of working.
Mourinho was in tears when fans called his name, on his way out of Roma's headquarters on January 16. Photo: X
Mourinho has just been sacked by Roma. Despite helping his team win the 2021-2022 Conference League, the club's first European Cup, and reach the 2022-2023 Europa League final, the Portuguese coach has been underrated in Serie A. His team finished sixth for two consecutive seasons and even finished ninth this season.
Currently, the possibility of Mourinho coming to Barca is unclear. According to Mundo Deportivo , one of the obstacles is Mourinho's previous rift with Barca, when he was in charge of Inter and Real. "The Special One" once angered Barca fans with his provocative celebration after the second leg of the 2009-2010 Champions League semi-final (Inter beat Barca 3-2 on aggregate) at Camp Nou. He also faced fierce criticism when he poked Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during the 2012 Spanish Super Cup.
Therefore, agreeing professionally with Mendes, but President Joan Laporta is still considering.
In addition to Mourinho, Barca also have the option of bringing in B team coach Rafa Marquez to replace him, in case Xavi is fired. The third option is Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to seventh place in Serie A this season. Motta won the Champions League with Barca in 2006 and is a close friend of sporting director Deco.
On the contrary, besides Barca, Mourinho can also go to Saudi Arabia to work. According to the revelation in the summer, he received attractive offers from clubs in this country such as Al Hilal, Al Nassr, or Al Ittihad.
Mourinho could also be eyeing the Portugal job, which is currently occupied by Roberto Martinez. Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf said: "I spoke to him when he was at Chelsea or Real. He admitted that the last thing he wanted to do in his coaching career was the Portugal job. I think that would be his target. It's complicated because Roberto Martinez is there. But let's see how the Euros go and then he might have a chance."
Mourinho has won 26 club trophies with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Man Utd and Roma. Five of these titles are two Champions Leagues with FC Porto and Inter, two Europa League/UEFA Cups with FC Porto and Man Utd, and one Conference League with Roma. Mourinho is the only manager to have won all three of UEFA's current European Cups.
Thanh Quy (according to MD )
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