José Mourinho, one of football’s most talked-about figures, recently opened up about his career reflections and future ambitions during an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Following his departure from AS Roma, Mourinho revealed the complexity of his feelings about leaving the club, stating, "When do I feel fully fulfilled? Never, I want to win the next match and feel fulfilled for a couple of days."
His passion for the game remains evident as he opts not to wait for the ideal opportunity to arise. "I love football and my job; I don’t want to wait for the perfect job or take a year off. I said yes to a club (Fenerbahce) which wanted me immensely and showed it from day one," he expressed. The ex-Inter and Chelsea manager indicated this year had been particularly difficult due to his Roma exit, stating, "Since I won my first Champions League 20 years ago, I have grown considerably, and I learn something new every day."
Mourinho’s confidence as a coach stands out in his belief about the significance of results over philosophy. "A great communicator doesn’t win all the important titles in football. The greatness of a coach lies within the results, not just the philosophy. It’s about humanity, not egocentrism; it’s about courage and honesty. Today, the coach has become progressively less important and increasingly dependent on ill-prepared people within clubs."
The 2024 interview wasn't just about past achievements; it also tackled Mourinho's views on the current football environment, which he described as belonging to "superficiality and clichés” filled with individuals who have often not risen through the ranks or lack true footballing knowledge. He describes such characters as “excellent communicators who don’t know how to win” and lamented the changes he has seen over the years. "When people discuss me, they often reflect on what happened fifteen or ten years ago, oblivious to the fact I’ve led clubs with fewer traditions to finals," Mourinho stated proudly.
On the subject of regrets, Mourinho discussed decisions he wrestles with, recalling his regret for not accepting Florentino Perez's offer to stay at Real Madrid, saying, "I knew it would be great, but I wanted to return to Chelsea after three challenging years." Further regret concerns his exit from Roma, where he felt his departure should have occurred after the Europa League final—"I should have left Roma; I didn’t, and I was wrong.”
Despite his regrets, Mourinho expressed willingness to return to Italy, stating emphatically, "Absolutely, I would work there again." He reminisced on his time with Roma, saying he has ceased to follow their matches since his departure, yet maintains interest in Inter.
A significant part of the interview was dedicated to current players, especially young talents like Edoardo Bove, who made his Serie A debut under Mourinho. "Bove is like me. He earned his place through hard work and dedication. We share fundamental principles, albeit he is twenty years younger than me," Mourinho reflected, emphasizing how he admires Bove's determination.
The interview concluded with Mourinho sharing his vision for the future when he expressed his aspirations. "I want to participate in European championships or World Cups, uniting my country around its national team as I have done numerous times with clubs and fans. I want to do it for football, for what this sport stands for. It will be incredible."
Through this candid discussion, Mourinho reveals not just the insights of his storied career but also the motivations and reflections shaping his next steps on the footballing stage.