Jose Mourinho’s time at Turkish club Fenerbahce may be coming to an end. – It is almost a year since “The Special One” was hired and already something new and more exciting has appeared.
The Portuguese coach has led Fenerbahce to a comfortable second place in the Turkish Super Lig, but they have again failed to prevent Galatasaray from taking the title. Mourinho’s tenure has also been marked by controversy off the pitch, with the 60-year-old regularly criticising the refereeing standard in Turkey.
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He was also sentenced to a three-match suspension last month for pinching the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk after a loss in the Turkish Cup.
According to Turkish Haberturk, Mourinho’s Turkish adventure will soon be over.
Earlier this week, he was surprisingly listed as the bookmakers’ favourite (4/1) to replace Ruben Amorim, who Manchester United will need if his compatriot leaves the club.
Journalist Ahmet Selim Kul claims that Mourinho has reached an agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation to take over as national team manager after the 2026 World Cup at the latest.
This will coincide with the end of his two-year contract with Fenerbahce, and will mark Mourinho’s first time as national team manager.
However, it is claimed that Portugal are considering signing Mourinho already after the Nations League finals next month.
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Kul reports that Mourinho is seen as the ideal coach to get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo, who – despite his incredible longevity – is likely to play his last World Cup at 41.
Current Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez took over in January 2023 with a contract until the 2026 World Cup. Martinez’s team reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 but were knocked out on penalties by France.
According to CNN Portugal, the Spaniard could still be replaced, even if Portugal wins the Nations League. He has won 20 out of 28 fights so far.
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Will Mourinho become one of three Champions League-winning World Cup managers?
If Mourinho is appointed this summer, he will become the third Champions League-winning coach to lead a national team in the World Cup:
- Carlo Ancelotti will become Brazil’s national team coach from May 26 after leaving Real Madrid.
- Thomas Tuchel is currently England’s manager.
