Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho disclosed that he was prevented by Real Madrid from accepting a national team coaching position.
In an interview with TribalFootball, Mourinho explained that Portugal had extended the offer to him twice, but his commitments with Real Madrid and later Roma interfered with his ability to accept.
“I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice,” Mourinho stated. “First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’. The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason.”
Despite his desire to explore national team management, Mourinho’s coaching journey has primarily been focused on leading top club sides, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and FC Porto.
Earlier this week, Mourinho expressed his eagerness to return to coaching, stating, “I want to work in the summer, I want to work.”