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“Can I Smoke There?”- After Jose Mourinho, Another Ex-Chelsea Boss Addresses Coaching In Saudi Arabia

Published 11/23/2023, 8:41 AM EST

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The influx of soccer fraternity to Saudi Arabia has been unstoppable. It’s trending and on rampage. Even the people who felt it was impossible to leave Europe are ready to head there. After Cristiano Ronaldo initially, even Jose Mourinho has expressed a desire for the future. Surprisingly, a former Chelsea trophy-winning manager also clarifies his move to the Middle East.

Apart from top players, Saudi Arabia is also involved in recruiting soccer managers and other management roles like directors. The lucrative offers and the opportunity to improve the sport have kept them interested. However, a senior coach gave an interesting answer to the query about moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Italian soccer manager keeps the fans interested with a tricky answer about the Saudi move

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It was a different season for the Italian Serie A in 2022–2023. Napoli won after 33 years. However, another coach made his mark in the same league. Lazio’s manager, Maurizio Sarri, made them the runner-up in the last season. After his success with Le Aquile, the manager was again asked about his plans to move to Saudi Arabia. Keeping it ambiguous, Sarri gave an interesting answer, saying he would think about going there when smoking is allowed there. This kept the fans surprised, as no clear answer was given but was quite speculative. Sarri said, “Coach in Saudi Arabia? Can I smoke there ? Then we’ll see…”

Committed to coaching the Italian team, the manager answered with wit, keeping the options open. The manager arrived in Rome in 2021 from Juventus after leading them to the Serie A title in 2019–2020. The manager also won the Europa League with Chelsea earlier this year. After bringing them to the Champions League this season, the team has lost its track once again, placing 10th on the league table.

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Having a contract, Sarri was disinterested in going to Saudi Arabia when he reportedly received offers from an unknown club earlier. However, his rival Jose Mourinho might have had second thoughts about his gulf plans.

Jose Mourinho is interested in moving to the Saudi Pro League

In the latest revelation, Jose Mourinho has revealed interest in coaching the Saudi club. The former Champions League-winning coach earlier denied moving there but has changed his mind, as per reports. Mourinho said he would definitely go to the Middle East.

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Mourinho said, “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don’t know when, but I am pretty sure of it.” The AS Roma manager, however, has a task in hand with the club placed 7th on the table.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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One take at a time

Growing up in a sporting background, I found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian football team. Watching the Premier League where Thierry Henry-starring ‘Invincible’ Gunners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious Manchester United had ruled, I had my heart set on Arsenal. However, Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho are my favorite players and Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M