Jose Mourinho, one of the most polarizing figures in modern football, has opened up about his career’s highs and lows in a series of candid interviews. The Portuguese manager, currently at the helm of Turkish club Fenerbahce, reflected on his managerial regrets, his aspirations to manage a national team, and the matches he considers “perfect” in his illustrious career.
Mourinho’s biggest career regrets: Leaving Real Madrid and staying too long at Roma
In a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho revealed that re-joining Chelsea in 2013 was one of his greatest professional regrets. After a successful three-year stint at Real Madrid, where he secured LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España titles, he chose to leave despite being urged by club president Florentino Perez to stay. “Florentino told me, ‘You’ve done the tough part, and now the best one starts.’ I knew it was true, but I wanted to return to Chelsea,” Mourinho admitted.
While his second spell at Chelsea saw him clinch the Premier League title in 2015, it ended in turmoil just seven months later, with the team languishing near the relegation zone. His other major regret came during his tenure at AS Roma, where despite leading the club to consecutive European finals, he chose to stay after losing the 2023 Europa League final. “I should have left Roma straight away,” he confessed. His decision to remain ultimately led to a chaotic season, culminating in his sacking in January 2024.
Future ambitions: A move to national team management?
As his time at Fenerbahce sees mixed results, Mourinho has expressed a growing desire to manage a national team. “I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team,” he said, calling such a move “incredible.” Though he has been linked with the Portuguese national team in the past, no formal steps have been taken. Mourinho emphasized his passion for football, stating, “I don’t want to wait for the ideal opportunity. I want to do it for football and what this sport represents.”
Perfect matches and career philosophy
When asked about the “perfect matches” in his career, Mourinho highlighted several standout performances. These included Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final, a game he described as one where “after one minute, you already knew who would win.” He also recalled Porto’s 4-1 win over Lazio in the 2003 UEFA Cup semi-final, where “they scored after 50 seconds, and then didn’t touch the ball again.” Another iconic match in his memory was Manchester United’s 6-1 thrashing of Tottenham, a game he claimed “could have been seven, eight, or nine goals.” Additionally, he gave credit to his Chelsea teams that “dominated the Premier League,” though he struggled to single out just one game from that era.
Reflecting on what makes a great coach, Mourinho underscored the importance of sustained success over fleeting moments. “It’s about the career, not just a moment. A coach’s greatness lies in results, philosophy, humanity, and courage,” he noted. Mourinho also took aim at modern football’s “superficiality,” criticizing the reliance on social media trends and inexperienced commentators who, in his words, “know about football as much as I know about nuclear physics.”
Health struggles and resilience
Mourinho also disclosed details about his recent health challenges, including undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder surgery earlier this month. Despite the operation, he returned to work just three days later. “I’ve started working again because it’s the thing I know how to do best,” he said, demonstrating the resilience and dedication that have defined his career.
On a personal note, Mourinho described his daughter’s wedding as a highlight of the past year, contrasting it with the professional difficulties he faced, including his departure from Roma. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and committed to his work. “I’ve grown a lot and have learned something new every day since I won my first Champions League 20 years ago,” he remarked.
What’s next for the ‘Special One’?
While Mourinho is currently leading Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super League, speculation about his next move continues to swirl. He has hinted at a return to Serie A, where he previously achieved historic success with Inter Milan, guiding them to a treble in 2010. “I’ve never watched Roma play again, but I’ve watched Inter,” Mourinho revealed, further fueling rumors about a potential comeback to Italy. When asked about his connection to Serie A, he responded confidently, “Certainly, I would return. Italy is special, and Serie A is a league that I love.”
In addition to club management, Mourinho’s desire to manage at the international level remains strong. “I want to bring a country together through football,” he reiterated, underscoring his ambition to compete on the global stage at either the European Championship or the World Cup. Whether his next step involves a national team, a return to Serie A, or another high-profile project, Mourinho’s passion for the game and his relentless drive ensure that his impact on football is far from over.
As his career evolves, the “Special One” continues to captivate fans and critics alike with his unique blend of charisma, tactical brilliance, and unfiltered honesty. Whether reflecting on past regrets, celebrating perfect matches, or setting sights on future challenges, Jose Mourinho remains one of football’s most compelling figures.
