Super-agent Jorge Mendes is apparently campaigning for Mourinho to succeed Xavi at Barcelona.
Jorge Mendes, a transfer expert, is campaigning to bring his client Jose Mourinho to Barcelona to replace Xavi.
Mendes anticipated a few weeks ago that Roma would fire Mourinho. So he approached Barca’s leadership and suggested “The Special One”. Mendes feels that Mourinho’s talent and strong attitude will help Barcelona settle the locker room while creating rivalry for expertise.
After winning La Liga last season, Barcelona is displaying indications of stagnation. Xavi’s side is presently third in La Liga with 41 points after 19 games, seven points behind Real. They most recently lost 1-4 to rivals Real in the Spanish Super Cup final. According to Spanish media, many important players are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Xavi’s coaching style.
Mourinho was recently dismissed by Roma. Although he led the squad win the 2021-2022 Conference League, the club’s first European Cup, and go to the Europa League final in 2022-2023, the Portuguese manager’s Serie A record was underestimated. His club finished sixth in two straight seasons and is currently ranked ninth.
Currently, it is uncertain whether Mourinho will join Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, one of the barriers is Mourinho’s previous rupture with Barcelona, when he was still in charge of Inter and Real. “The Special One” famously enraged Barcelona supporters with a flamboyant celebration at the Camp Nou during the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals in 2009-2010, which Inter won 3-2 on aggregate. He also received harsh criticism for poking Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during the Spanish Super Cup final in 2012.
As a result, Mendes and President Joan Laporta have agreed on expertise, although Laporta is still contemplating it.
In addition to Mourinho, Barcelona has the option of promoting B team coach Rafa Marquez to replace him if Xavi is fired. The third possibility is Thiago Motta, who guided Bologna to seventh place in Serie A this season. Motta won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and is close friends with Sporting Director Deco.
Mourinho, on the other hand, has the option of working outside of Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. According to allegations from the summer, he had received enticing offers from teams in this nation, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Ittihad.
Mourinho might possibly pursue the role of coach for the Portuguese national team, which is now held by Roberto Martinez. Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf stated, “I once asked Mourinho when he was still coaching Chelsea or Real.” He claimed that the last thing he wanted to do in his coaching career was work with the Portuguese national team. I believe that would be his objective. Everything is problematic since Roberto Martinez is still present. But let’s see how Euro goes, and he could have a shot.”
Mourinho has won 26 club trophies with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Roma. Five of the trophies include two Champions Leagues with FC Porto and Inter, two Europa League/UEFA Cups with FC Porto and Manchester United, and one Conference League with Roma. Mourinho is the only coach with all three current UEFA European Cups.
Mourinho’s arrival at Barcelona would be a significant coup for the Catalan club. He is one of the world’s most successful coaches, and he would bring valuable expertise and a winning mindset to the club. However, considering his past with Barcelona, his selection would be problematic. It remains to be seen if Laporta is willing to take that risk.
