Former Manchester United and Roma manager Jose Mourinho could be on the verge of landing his first role in football away from the managerial dugout, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho has been a free agent since January after the ‘Special One’ was axed from Serie A side Roma.
The 61-year-old Portuguese manager was in charge at the Stadio Olimpico for two-and-a-half seasons and led the club to a Europa Conference League title.
Mourinho, who took Roma to a Europa League final in the 2022-23 season, was replaced by Roma legend Daniele De Rossi at the time of his sacking.
Following his exit from the Stadio Olimpico, the ex-Manchester United head coach has ruled out the idea of calling it time on his legendary managerial career.
Mourinho had hinted at his desire to return to management in the future, including outlining his expectations of what he would expect from his next employers.
Mourinho tipped for new role
Jose Mourinho has attracted interest from around the world since he was dismissed from Roma, including receiving offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss had emerged as a candidate for one club in the Saudi Pro League.
Mourinho was linked with a potential reunion with one ex-United signing at a Turkish club, while another side from the Super Lig was ready to meet his salary demands.
However, Sportitalia’s Gianluigi Longari now reports that Mourinho’s future won’t take him to Turkey as part of his return to management.
It is now claimed by Gianluigi Longari that the ‘Special One’ is ‘close to becoming the new technical director’ of Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah.
Mourinho is not done with football
Mourinho has previously said that he would be keen for a role in the dugout again, but it can’t be ruled out that a technical director position could entice him.
The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager insisted that he still has a “long career” left in him and doesn’t have an exact age in mind for when he will stop.
“It is not like I am 61 and I want to stop at 65,” Mourinho told The Daily Telegraph in April.
“No way at all. There is still a long career to go.”
He added: “My dream job description – because sometimes you have a job title and another thing is the job description – is ‘head coach.’
“That’s my dream. To be the coach. To be the guy who works with the team, focus on developing players, preparing matches.”