Former Manchester United and Roma manager Jose Mourinho has identified the “three strongest teams” competing at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Jose Mourinho has been out of management since January after his spell at Serie A side Roma came to an end with his sacking.
The 61-year-old Portuguese manager, who was in the Old Trafford dugout from 2016 to 2018, led Roma to the Europa Conference League title in his debut season.
Mourinho took the Italian club to the Europa League final last season, only for Roma to suffer a penalty shootout defeat to La Liga club Sevilla.
But the ‘Special One’ was dismissed from his post after two-and-a-half seasons at Roma, following the club’s exit from the Coppa Italia by city rivals Lazio.
Roma were also ninth in Serie A at the time of Mourinho’s departure, with club legend Daniele De Rossi replacing the former Manchester United manager.
Mourinho has revealed that he does not plan to retire from football management and has already outlined what he expects from his next club.
Mourinho on three strongest teams at Euro 2024
Manchester United players from the first-team squad are expected to be called up by their respective countries for Euro 2024 this summer.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are expected to feature in Portugal’s campaign, while Harry Maguire is very much likely to play for England at the tournament.
Jose Mourinho was at a tribute event for his father in Vila do Conde in Portugal on Wednesday, with the ‘Special One’ asked for his two cents on Euro 2024.
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager believes that the three strongest teams at Euro 2024 will be Portugal, France and England.
And Mourinho has backed his native homeland to come out on top ahead of Gareth Southgate’s England side and Didier Deschamps’ France team.
“For me, it’s one of the three strongest teams – Portugal, France and England,” he said, as per the Metro.
“Surprises can happen, yes. But looking at the quality and quantity of players, I think Portugal has to go there to win.”
Mourinho talks Portugal and Roberto Martinez
Mourinho admitted there was a “very real possibility” that he could have become Portugal manager before Roberto Martinez was appointed to the post.
Roberto Martinez took charge of the Portugal national team after Fernando Santos left his role following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mourinho praised Portugal boss Martinez for his work so far and is convinced the country can lift major silverware at Euro 2024 in Germany.
“I had the possibility of taking over the national team, a very real possibility,” he said.
“Now we are at the Euros, with a coach who has done a great job and a great generation of players. I want it to go well, which is to win.
“Winning will continue and go to the World Cup. If it has to happen one day, it will happen. I didn’t have any invitation from any Portuguese club.”