Mourinho’s back in work quickly with Italian job
JOSE Mourinho took just 15 days to find a new job after he was appointed Roma’s new head coach for next season.
The 58-year-old was fired from Tottenham on April 19 but will take over at the Serie A club from Paulo Fonseca for the 2021/22 campaign.
It sees a return to Italy for Mourinho following a triumphant spell with Inter Milan over a decade ago where he won the treble, including the Champions League.
However, he is unlikely to be dining at the top table next season, with the club heading out of the Europa League, trailing Mourinho’s former club Manchester United 6-2 after the semi-final first leg, and unlikely to reach Europe through their league position.
Mourinho, who endured a disappointing campaign with Spurs before his sacking six days before the Carabao Cup final, has been drawn to the Italian capital by the ambition of the club’s owners.
“After meetings with the ownership and (general manager) Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma,” he said.
“It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.
“In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!”
Pinto said the Giallorossi could not miss the opportunity to appoint a manager if Mourinho’s pedigree.
He said: “When Jose became available, we jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time. We were blown away by his desire to win and passion for the game. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete.”