Why No Big European Football Club Has Hired Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho, once one of the most sought-after managers in the world, has found himself without a club over the past years. After his controversial sacking by Manchester United in the middle of the 2018/2019 season, Mourinho has not secured a new managerial role. Many believe he is past his prime. However, here we explore the strategic reasons why he keeps turning down manager roles and subtly waiting for the right opportunity.

Strategic Reasoning Behind Mourinho’s Delayed Move

Contrary to public belief, Mourinho appears to be methodical in his search for the right club. His ideal scenario involves managing a club that grants him comprehensive control, significant investment, and a well-defined structure, possibly including the position of Director of Football. This preference is influenced by his past experience at Manchester United, where managerial issues like player denial, inadequate backing, and interference in team selection plagued his tenure.

Career at Manchester United

Mourinho's time at Manchester United was marred by various conflicts and management issues. His aggressive approach to player management and team selection often led to friction, which dented his standing in the club. Consequently, he has reportedly turned down job offers from various clubs, including rumors of a return to Real Madrid or Inter, positions held by Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte, respectively. His selective approach in choosing clubs reflects a desire to manage a team that can give him the power and resources he needs to achieve success.

Financial and Strategic Considerations

In addition to his strategic goals, Mourinho also avoids clubs facing financial difficulties, leaving him with limited options. This strategic decision ties into his financial demands. Mourinho is not just a coaching role; his demands are at the top tier of the world’s highest-paid managers, making him unaffordable for many mid-table clubs. Even in the Champions League contenders like the Big 5 European clubs, only a few can afford him. Arsenal and Manchester United have solid finances, but it is still a heavy burden.

The Emotional Cost of Employment

The emotional cost of employing Mourinho cannot be overlooked. His last three managerial appointments have ended in disappointment within just over two seasons. Relocating entire clubs through R D cycles to achieve transient success, only to see them fall into even more disarray, has not exactly established him as a system builder. Regardless of his past successes, there is a lingering question over whether his style of management is worth the risk of winning a few trophies, especially when there are more stable and proven systems in place.

Challenges in Finding a Suitable Position

There are several reasons why big clubs avoid approaching Mourinho. Firstly, he has already had poor returns from similar roles, achieving only one league title and one Europa League title in 5.5 seasons. Clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich have specific management philosophies that render him less attractive. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are content with Thomas Tuchel, their current coach.

Mid-Table Clubs and Financial Constraints

For mid-table clubs, the financial burden of managing Mourinho is too high. His wage demands are among the highest in the world, potentially eclipsing even Pep Guardiola and Luis Suárez, who also command astronomical salaries. This puts Mourinho out of reach for most clubs, regardless of their ambition. In the realm of football, the significant pay demands make it untenable.

Prospective Roles for Mourinho

Even if clubs are willing to overlook Mourinho's past, questions remain about his ability to rebuild a team from scratch. His success has often relied on harnessing potential, rather than creating a robust foundation. He might still be a decent fit for Arsenal, Dortmund, Napoli, or Atletico Madrid, especially if he can take over from the likes of Mauricio Pochettino or Diego Simeone. Yet, the uncertainty over whether he can deliver consistent top results under these circumstances remains a major gamble.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jose Mourinho's delayed move to a new club is driven by strategic, financial, and emotional considerations. His ideal scenario involves managing under the right circumstances. Until then, he chooses to remain patient, balancing his ambitions with the realities of the football market.