Jose Mourinho Is Thinking of England: Where Will He Go?
It's no secret that Jose Mourinho wants to return to the English Premier League when he eventually leaves Real Madrid. Whether that takes place in a few months or in a few years is the subject for another discussion.
Since England is his next managerial destination of choice, we're going to be looking at the six biggest sides in the Premier League right now and see how Mourinho would fit in at each one.
There will not be any mention of clubs outside of the so-called "Big Six" in England because they're the only sides with the finances available to meet the wage demands of one of the best managers in club football.
Not saying he couldn't do great things at a smaller side like Blackpool, but ticket prices would go straight through what little roof they have at Bloomfield Road and there would barely be any funds left over to pay even a single member of the custodial staff.
We'll discuss the current managerial situation at each club and the kind of scenarios that could happen over the next few years that would warrant seeking out the assistance of "The Special One".
Lets start with the least likely candidates and work our way towards the sides that has the best chance of being Mourinho's next big managerial gig.
6. Chelsea
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Current Manager: Carlo Ancelotti (pictured)
Although quite a few players and fans would welcome Mourinho back to West London with arms wide open, Chelsea will most likely be at the bottom of the Portuguese manager's list for two obvious reasons.
First, despite leaving the club by "mutual consent", Mourinho did not leave Stamford Bridge on the best of terms. We could go into a long drawn out discussion why, but it simply came down to the fact that club owner Roman Abramovich and Mourinho just didn't see eye to eye on quite a few serious issues, so Mourinho and Chelsea parted ways.
Secondly, Chelsea are playing quite well under current manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a midseason drop in form and being knocked out of both domestic cup competitions, Chelsea still have an outside shot of defending their Premier League title while they're quite alive in the Champions League as well.
Ancelotti and company have also made all the right moves in the recent transfer window with the purchase of one of the best young defenders in the world in the form of Brazilian international, David Luiz.
They also paid quite a pretty penny for struggling ex-Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, but the Spanish international is starting to look much more lively in a Blue's uniform over the last few weeks.
Final Verdict: Even if Chelsea part ways with Ancelotti in the near future, Abramovich would most certainly look into bringing Guus Hiddink back to Stamford Bridge as a direct replacement since he and Mourinho just don't get along.
Also, Mourinho will be looking to manage one of the other big sides in England before ever contemplating a return to the head-coaching position at Chelsea.
5. Liverpool
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Current Manager: Kenny Dalglish (pictured)
Liverpool would actually be a great side for Mourinho to manage if he came back to England right now. They have some great veteran talent like Stephen Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Dirk Kuyt. Plus, new faces like Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles have made an instant impact.
Mourinho could very easily step in, bring in two or three more new faces, and win quite a few trophies in a short amount of time.
The problem is that King Kenny is back in charge at Anfield and he looks like he can do the same.
He has had an incredible impact at Anfield since taking over from Roy Hodgson in January, with the Reds playing some of their best football in recent memory.
Sadly, there is no redeeming chance of silverware for the Reds through the rest of the current campaign, but they look to be a lock for the Europa League next season.
Both players and fans have responded positively while looking forward to seeking greener pastures with Dalglish being back in charge at Anfield.
Final Verdict: Dalglish and Liverpool are currently in negotiations for the Scottish manager to remain with the club on a permanent basis, so barring a complete meltdown next season, Dalglish looks to be the best man for the job right now.
Liverpool's confidence is starting to rebuild under Dalglish since spirits slowly eroded during the tail-end of the Rafa Benitez era and into the ill-fated Hodgson era during the start of the current campaign.
Another managerial switch in the near future would not help matters, even if a manager like Mourinho is available for the job.
4. Arsenal
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Current Manager: Arsene Wenger (pictured)
Arsenal have suffered a severe trophy drought in all competitions over the last six years, the longest such drought since Arsene Wenger took over from Bruce Rioch in the fall of 1996.
Arsenal are still in second place in the Premier League despite having to cope with long-term injuries to key players like Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, and Thomas Vermaelen this season..
However, the Gunners were knocked out of three major cup competitions in the period of less than three weeks recently due to poor play, which usually falls on the managers shoulders. If Arsenal fall out of the Premier League title race, especially the top four, then Wenger will most certainly be sacked.
Arsenal has a great pool of young talent that have grown into potential world-class players underneath Wenger's guidance, but Mourinho could very easily step in and build an even better side around young talents like Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Wojciech Szczesny, Alex Song, and Aaron Ramsey.
Mourinho may be the best man for picking up the pieces if the club ever parts ways with Wenger, but it may come too soon if Arsenal are in need of a new manager as soon as this summer since Mourinho is only in the first year of a four year deal with Real Madrid.
Arsenal also don't look like the type of side that will shell out massive money to pry him away either.
There's always the chance that Mourinho and Real Madrid choose to part ways before his contract expires, but I just don't see that happening in the next few months.
Final Verdict: Although the club's board and ownership may feel pressure to bring in a new manager from certain sects of fans and media outlets if the club continues to stutter, it is best to stick with Wenger.
Despite a poor showing at home against West Brom last weekend that resulted in a 2-2 draw, I don't see Arsenal continuing to struggle throughout the remainder of the current campaign as long as Wenger is in charge.
He is under contract with the club until the end of the 2014 season and is the best man for keeping the side competitive in all competitions while continuing to rebuild around the previously mentioned young talent over the next few seasons.
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3. Tottenham
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Current Manger: Harry Redknapp (pictured)
Tottenham has turned into quite a formidable side in both England and Europe since Harry Redknapp took over from Juande Ramos in fall of 2008.
The North London side is well into the fight for fourth place in the Premier League, plus they survived a tough home draw against AC Milan in order to move on and face Real Madrid in the next round of the Champions League.
However, if Redknapp can't get the club over the hump in the next few weeks and beyond, Mourinho will be the perfect man to do so.
Mourinho stepped into a very similar at Chelsea a few years ago. They were a side with plenty of talent and money, but were in need of a headstrong manager that could help them get out of the choke-hold of the annual Premier League tag-team champions, Arsenal and Manchester United.
When Mourinho took over at Stamford Bridge, the change was immediate with Chelsea winning two consecutive League titles, two League Cups, and an FA Cup to boot before his departure in 2007.
There is also the question of whether or not Redknapp can persuade young talents like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric to stay with the club when there will be the promise of better wages and opportunities to win big trophies from even bigger sides.
Mourinho doesn't seem to have that problem, plus he always brings the added bonus of attracting big talent wherever he goes.
Final Verdict: Redknapp has done a great job since taking over in 2008, but his current contract only runs until the end 2013 season.
If Tottenham don't make a serious push for silverware in that time frame and a manager of Mourinho's caliber is available, then Redknapp may end up on his way out of North London.
Tottenham also have an influx of money from Champions League tournament play and they have some some great talent already in place for building a championship side around. They may be stretched when it comes to Mourinho's wages, but he'd be the perfect man to help bring the Hotspurs out of the multi-championship winning shadow their London based rivals.
2. Manchester United
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Current Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured)
Manchester United is probably going to be Mourinho's first choice if and when he eventually leaves Real Madrid. After coaching the Galacticos, Manchester United is the closest thing to a step up in terms of popularity. There is one big thing, well, person that stands in his way.
Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't look to be relinquishing control of Manchester United anytime soon. Every time he seems to be contemplating retirement he quickly backtracks and signs an extension.
Many would love the legend to coach United for the rest of his waking existence, but the man is eventually going to call it a day sooner rather than later.
Ferguson will be 70 in December and is probably contemplating life beyond managing the Red Devils in the near future. He has been managing top-flight football for almost 37 straight years now, spending the last 24 and a half years at United's helm. Safe to say, the man deserves a break whenever he feels like it.
I personally would not be surprised if Ferguson announces his retirement at season's end, especially if United pull off another Double or Treble.
Ferguson would most likely give United plenty of notice to make way for a suitable replacement, though, so it'll probably be at least one more year with the old gaffer in charge.
Mourinho would face stiff competition from former United legends like Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, and Bryan Robson as well as former assistant, Carlos Quieroz, but he would most certainly be at the top of United's short-list for possible replacements.
There is always the chance that United install the ageless Ryan Giggs as a player-manager when Fergie retires, but it'll be hard to overlook Mourinho if he makes himself available to United.
Final Verdict: Mourinho is a perfect fit for United if Fergie retires in the next two or three years. The current United board and American ownership have had little problem with giving Ferguson nearly complete control of the club, and would not look like changing their policy with Mourinho taking over in his place.
Even if the Glazers sell United in the next few years, that should have no effect on the chances of Mourinho being the next manager at Old Trafford.
The biggest problem for United, though, is the presence of their even bigger-spending neighbors downtown...
1. Manchester City
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Current Manager: Roberto Mancini (pictured)
Manchester City has turned into one of the most expensive clubs in the world since the Abu Dhabi United Group bought the side in 2008.
Despite the steady stream of money being invested into every element of the club, City just can't seem to put together a side that will help the club win any kind of silverware right now.
Roberto Mancini has not helped matters since taking over from Mark Hughes in December of 2009.
Although City finished the 2009/10 Premier League season at a respectable 5th place with Mancini in charge for the remainder of the season, they are not looking much better during his first full year at the club's helm.
His tactics are criticized for being overly conservative, especially by Premier League standards. Meanwhile, the relationship he has with his players, both on and off the field, has been reported as nothing short of "strained". It's safe to assume that Mancini's days at Eastlands are numbered.
I don't think City's managerial slot is going to turn into a revolving door like some other big spending sides in Europe, but it's a more than likely scenario if they don't bring in a manager with more experience when it comes to winning in both English top-flight and European Cup competition.
Guess who fits that bill?
Mourinho is the best man for the job at the delusional dynasty that is Manchester City right now. He will have no problem picking a team from their huge pool of talent and will also be able to bring in players that can actually help City win right away.
The problem for City is that they are going to have to give Mourinho nothing short of complete control of the club. He will not put up with obnoxious talent like Mario Balotelli. He didn't put up with him at Inter, he most certainly will not put up with him at City.
The Portuguese manger will also get the best out of attacking talent like Eden Dzeko, Carlos Tevez, Jamie Milner, and David Silva, while maybe even convincing Tevez to stay at Eastlands beyond his current deal.
Mourinho, like Sir Alex Ferguson and the dearly departed Brian Clough, is a man not afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him in trouble with the people who sign off on his weekly wage. City's ownership will need to be prepared for a manager who will not simply nod his head upon command.
Final Verdict: Roberto Mancini has proven during his previous tenure at Inter that he is a good manager, but he is just not the man for the job at City right now.
I really don't see Mancini in charge beyond the end of the current campaign, especially if City makes any kind of drop in the Premier League standings between now and season's end.
Although United may be Mourinho's first choice, the reason I give the edge to City is because they are the one club in the world who will not be afraid to pry him away from Real Madrid this summer.
Mourinho may desire to coach elsewhere in England, but he'll be hard-pressed to turn down whatever monetary sum City offers if they seek out his employment in the next few months.
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