Jose Mourinho has revealed he would be open to managing Celtic or Rangers in the future, whilst emphasising his current commitment to Fenerbahce.
The 62-year-old Portuguese coach made the comments ahead of his side’s Europa League last-16 clash with Rangers on Thursday.
“In this moment, no, because I have a job that motivates me and a job that demands loyalty,” Mourinho said when asked about the prospect of managing in Scotland.
“But why not in the future? People can say that the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion.”
Jose Mourinho has admitted he would love to manage in Scotland
Reuters
Mourinho, who famously dubbed himself the “Special One” when joining Chelsea in 2004, stressed the importance of passion in football.
“For me, passion in football is everything. To play in empty stadiums or competitions where there is not that fire or passion, for me, that doesn’t make any sense,” he said.
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager praised both Glasgow clubs.
“Celtic and Rangers are big clubs with big fanbases, big emotions, big responsibilities, big expectations. Why not?” Mourinho added.
He noted both clubs currently have managers he respects, stating: “Celtic has a fantastic coach like Brendan [Rodgers]. Rangers has Ferguson now.”
Mourinho appeared to take a swipe at recently sacked Rangers manager Philippe Clement ahead of the Europa League tie.
When asked about interim boss Barry Ferguson, Mourinho said: “I know his history as a football player for Scotland and for Rangers. I don’t know much about his career as a coach.”
“It will be much more difficult against him than the previous coach. The previous coach was more worried about philosophy,” Mourinho added.
The Fenerbahce manager suggested Ferguson would bring a more practical approach to Rangers.
“Ferguson will be more pragmatic, much more objective. It will be hard for us, but it will be hard for them.”
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are set to take on Rangers in the Europa League
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Mourinho revealed he has a long-standing connection to Scottish football, having taken his coaching badges in Ayrshire during the 1990s.
“Largs pubs were a disaster – although I was drinking only water,” he joked. “But it was fantastic. From a learning point of view and a human point of view.”
The Portuguese coach also noted that Rangers fans still thank him for his Porto side’s victory over Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
“In London, especially in London, or in the south of Portugal in the summertime, it’s true, some Rangers fans have come to me,” Mourinho said. “It was my first European final.”