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29 March 2024

Is Mourinho the man to rescue Liverpool?

Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal with coach Jose Mourinho (right) during the la Liga match at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 12, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho who was linked to a return to Stamford Bridge after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas has hinted once again that his future may lie in England.

However, with Chelsea battling with Manchester United to get Pep Guardiola, the Real Madrid manager could be the long-term replacement for Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool.

Mourinho enjoyed his best years at Chelsea and loved the adulation in England.

Speaking at a conference in the Turkish capital Ankara, he highlighted the difference in fan culture between Spain and England as one of the main reasons why he may return.

He told AS: "I have signed until 2016, but in a club like Madrid if you lose two consecutive games they can cancel your contract.

"I hope to do as well as possible in these years as I am better than ever with 10 years of experience. In 2016 my daughter will be starting university and I would like to choose in which city she studies.

"London was distinct for me. I had a normal life there. In England the people are not interested in your personal life, but that is different in Spain and Italy. I need to protect my family."

Mourinho became the first coach to win a domestic league in four different major countries following his two titles in Portugal with Porto, two in England with Chelsea, two in Italy with Inter Milan and now one in Spain with Real.
 

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Mourinho's no to Chelsea aimed at Man United option

Jose Mourinho agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid for two years on Tuesday, ruling him out of a sensational return to Chelsea.
 
The 49-year-old Portuguese coach led Madrid to its first Spanish league title in four years this season to add to the Copa del Rey trophy he won during his first campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
 
Under Mourinho's guidance, Madrid set both the league scoring record with 121 goals and the points record with 100 en route to its 32nd championship title this season.
 
He has been tied to the club until the end of the 2015-16 season after penning an initial four-year deal when he took over at Madrid in May 2010.
 
The news will put an to end speculation about Mourinho's future, with reports still linking him with the vacant managerial position at former club Chelsea.
 
However, it could be master stroke by the 'Special One' not to jeopardise his chances of eventually replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
 
Mourinho got an endorsement that he is the natural successor to Ferguson by Cristiano Ronaldo who has achieved the distinction of playing under both.
 
"Ferguson was like a father to me, he taught me many things, and I achieved a very nice part of my career with him. Mou, for his part, is the best coach in the world and to be with him now is great to be able to continue growing, it's very good working with him because he's the No 1," said Ronaldo during an interview with newspaper AS when pressed for comparisons.
 
Mourinho for his part is still hungry for success despite being one of only three coaches to have won the Champions League with separate teams having led Porto to the crown in 2004 and Inter in 2010.
 
He said: "As a manager, I always try to grow and improve. I've loved the professional experience I've had of working for different clubs in different countries and cultures, and to learn from that while giving my best. I've loved that process.
 
"It's different for me now because I'm thinking about a club long term, and that club is Real Madrid, which has been more demanding and has forced me to do my absolute best due to its difficulties.
 
"I've had to improve as a coach and a professional. I think it is the perfect challenge for the next four years because you always have to do more when things are hardest. I need these great challenges in the maturity of my career; I need things to force me to be better."
 
United can rest assured Mourinho is just biding his time to move to Old Trafford at the opportune time.