Jose Mourinho is one of the most iconic managers in football history and the legendary boss has opened the door to a possible move to Celtic.
A serial winner who has been in charge of huge European clubs in Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma during his career, Mourinho is one of the greatest coaches of the 21st century.
His latest task has been restoring Benfica to the top of Portuguese football, but the Eagles are currently behind in the Primeira Liga race however and were knocked out of the Champions League by Madrid.
|
Jose Mourinho’s honours as a manager |
Year won |
|---|---|
|
FC Porto |
|
|
Champions League |
2004 |
|
UEFA Cup |
2003 |
|
Liga Portugal |
2003, 2004 |
|
Taça de Portugal |
2003 |
|
Portuguese Super Cup |
2003 |
|
Chelsea |
|
|
Premier League |
2005, 2006, 2015 |
|
FA Cup |
2007 |
|
League Cup |
2005, 2007, 2015 |
|
Community Shield |
2005 |
|
Inter Milan |
|
|
Champions League |
2010 |
|
Serie A |
2009, 2010 |
|
Coppa Italia |
2010 |
|
Italian Super Cup |
2008 |
|
Real Madrid |
|
|
La Liga |
2012 |
|
Copa del Rey |
2011 |
|
Spanish Super Cup |
2012 |
|
Manchester United |
|
|
League Cup |
2017 |
|
Community Shield |
2016 |
|
AS Roma |
|
|
Europa Conference League |
2022 |
A move to Scotland has been put to the ‘Special One’, with Celtic going through more managerial struggles at this moment in time.
The Hoops started the season with Brendan Rodgers at the helm, but the Irishman left in unceremonious circumstances, and Martin O’Neill’s first interim spell was cut short to bring in Wilfried Nancy, who was nothing short of disastrous.
O’Neill’s return has seen an uptick in both form and mood, but the 74 year-old has been open about the fact he is not planning to stay in management forever.
Jose Mourinho open to managing Celtic
Speaking this time last year, Mourinho was asked if the possibility of asked of working in Scotland for Celtic or Rangers would interest him.
He was happy at Fenerbahce at the time but did admit he would be open to a move in the future, calling Celtic a “big club” with a “big fan base”.
“Why not in the future? People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.
“Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations.”
Mourinho has previously revealed that O’Neill gave him his “biggest ever game”, referring to Porto’s 3-2 victory over the Hoops in the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
“That final against Celtic was not the biggest win, it was not the greatest joy, but in terms of intensity it was my biggest ever game,” he said.
“It’s still the most tense game in my career. I’ve played three European finals since, two in the Champions League. I’ve won a lot of titles, been involved in so many incredible games.
“But in terms of living with tension, intensity, with emotion raised to the limit, that game against Celtic beat them all.”
The legendary Manchester United pair had different opinions…
It seems the Portuguese holds the Premiership giants in extremely high regard, and given Benfica’s season is slowly petering out, perhaps those high up at Parkhead will consider testing the waters with an offer this summer.
