Jose Mourinho is itching to get back into football management and has revealed his top priority in his hunt for work.
The Portuguese tactician was ejected by Roma in January partway through his third season at the club, with the team sat ninth in Serie A.
His potential options include a lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia, a return to the Premier League, a foray into international management or even a journey to the United States.
The 61-year-old has enjoyed a fun-filled weekend soaking up Anthony Joshua’s battering of Francis Ngannou alongside Tyson Fury in Riyadh and one of a rich man’s greatest pleasures – fast cars.
Jose Mourinho has laid out his priority when considering whether to take a management job
He is keen to work again after being sacked by Roma in January but will only accept the ‘right opportunity’ instead of rushing in
So, will we see you in the dugout any time soon, Jose?
‘I hope so,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘I want [to manage].
‘Roma was great because we did two European finals in two years and that’s hard in a club that ever did it.
‘But now I have to wait for the right opportunity.
‘I want to work tomorrow if possible, but I don’t want to make the wrong decision.’
Mourinho’s mythical reputation is somewhat subdued after difficult spells with Manchester United and Tottenham.
At Roma he did something to revitalise his grandeur – winning the Europa Confernece League and leading them to the Europa League final – but this season descended into the same pattern of toxicity and anarchy that often accompanies his third campaign somewhere.
He was sent off five times this season, to encapsulate the foul mood in a single stat.
Mourinho has been enjoying the boxing and F1 in Saudi Arabia. He met Eddie Hearn (centre) and Ronaldo Nazario (right) on Friday night
The Portuguese boss also met Tyson Fury (right) as he took in Anthony Joshua’s thumping of Francis Ngannou
While he was adored by the Roma fanbase for much of his tenure, poor performances and a blame-game off the pitch left them increasingly disenchanted.
Taking in the boxing and F1 is certainly one way to kick back and relax, but it sounds as if he is very eager to get back to his usual activity.
He has previously said he will ‘definitely’ work in Saudi Arabia and once said that he wants to ‘help develop soccer in the US’.
Mourinho has also expressed his desire to manage the Portuguese national team and still has a family home in London, ideally placed if a Premier League club come calling.
