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“I Know the Saudi Sports Project” – Unemployed Jose Mourinho Finally Reacts to Coaching Al Shabab After AS Roma Sacking

Published 01/19/2024, 5:58 AM EST

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via Reuters

Opportunities come knocking at your door when your name is Jose Mourinho. The decorated tactician has seemingly found a new club just days after he departed from Roma. Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab is reportedly in talks with the Portuguese manager and could announce his signing in the coming days. Mourinho touched on a move to the club in an interview discussing the changes he’d like to bring to the club if he takes the helm.

Italian side Roma left fans stunned as they terminated Jose Mourinho’s contract earlier this week. Despite their previous success under Mourinho, the Giallorossi struggled to find this season with the side winning just one of their last six games. Roma, following the Portuguese manager’s sacking, has appointed ex-captain Danielle De Rossi as their new interim manager.

After previously rejecting offers from Saudi clubs, the Special One could coach Al Shabab

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The Portuguese manager might be on his way to Saudi Arabia just days after his exit from Italy. Mourinho has been linked to a move with Al Shabab, with the Middle Eastern side keen on acquiring his signatures in the coming days.

The ex-Roma manager commented on Al Shabab’s project, stating, “I know the Saudi sports project well and I am aware of all the details. This is why I will present an expanded plan to bring Al Shabab back to the podium by strengthening the team’s ranks with international players during the next summer transfer market.”

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While Mourinho consistently refuted claims of a move to Saudi Arabia during his time at Roma, it seems like the Portuguese has changed his mind after losing his post with the Giallorossi. A move to the Middle East could be a pleasant change of scenario for the decorated tactician. Interestingly, though, this isn’t the first time The Special One has attracted interest from the Saudi League.

Previously reported by Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho had revealed interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, which he had turned down to stay at Roma. He said, “I’ve received two proposals: Al Hilal and Al Ahli wanted me, I decided to turn both down as I want to stay at Roma.”

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Now, a move to Al Shabab could be an enormous challenge for the manager, considering the team does not have the quality and the financial fire-power present with the top sides in the league.

Can Jose Mourinho help Al Shabab reverse their fortunes?

While a deal between the two sides is yet to materialize, Al Shabab seems like the most probable destination for Jose Mourinho. However, the move will be a lot different from what was offered to the Portuguese last year. Al Shabab is not amongst the sides owned by the PIL, with the team lacking on a lot of fronts. However, if there’s a man who’s known to bring underdogs to the top, it’s Jose Mourinho!

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Al Shabab is currently placed 11th in the league standings with 21 points from 19 games. While the side has some experienced names such as Yannick Carrasco and Ever Banega, Mourinho will have to bring in massive reinforcements if the team wishes to climb up the standings during the second half of the season. Do you think Jose Mourinho can revamp Al Shabab if he signs with the club? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Saurabh Saket

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While soccer was never my first love, I never realized when I turned into an avid fan who jumps at every missed goal-scoring opportunity. I'm a passionate Borussia Dortmund fan despite my side not lifting the league title in the last twelve years. I love to talk about tiny aspects of the game, discussing every little detail.
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Edited by:

Rohan Karnad