Former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed his interest in managing an English club once more before he retires.
Currently at the helm of Turkish side Fenerbahce, Mourinho recently faced his former club Manchester United in a 1-1 Europa League draw, a match in which he was sent off following a red card for reacting to a denied penalty appeal.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho made a tongue-in-cheek remark about possibly wanting his next role to be with an English club not involved in European competitions, humorously suggesting he’d avoid UEFA officials.
However, in a Tuesday interview with Sky Sports, he clarified, “I was joking. I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. I will never go.”
Mourinho explained his comment about managing a “bottom-of-the-table” English club, adding, “I get upset easily, and I’m at a point in my career where I just want to be happy.
“Right now, being in European competitions is frustrating me more often than not. But battling relegation? It’s too hard! It’s probably tougher than competing for titles. It’s emotionally draining, and it changes lives. The managers who do that are brave.”
He then joked with Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill, quipping, “Millwall! I just have to cross the bridge from my house.” While Millwall’s New Den stadium is close to Mourinho’s London home, the Championship club is far from his typical level, having never played in the Premier League.
Although a serious move to Millwall is unlikely, Mourinho expressed his love for England and a strong desire to return before ending his career. “I’ve managed three clubs in England across four different stints, and I’ve loved every moment,” he said. “London is home; my family lives there. So, if I have the opportunity, I’d love to come back.”
However, he was quick to reassure Fenerbahce fans, saying, “Just to be clear, no one will take me from Fenerbahce for the next two years. This season and the next, I’m fully committed here.”
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