Jose Mourinho could make ultimate betrayal after being offered to rivals of former club

Jose Mourinho could be handed a role at one of the world’s biggest clubs a matter of days after being sacked by Roma.

The 60-year-old was sacked as Roma manager and replaced by the Serie A side’s former skipper Daniel De Rossi.

Mourinho took over at Roma in 2021 and led the club to the Europa Conference League title in his first season, before guiding them to the Europa League final the following campaign.

Roma are currently ninth in Serie A, some five appoints adrift of the Champions League places, while they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia.

According to Spanish publication Nacional, Barcelona have looked to Mourinho as a potential replacement for Xavi Hernandez, who is enduring his most difficult spell yet in charge of the Catalan giants.

The first name on Barcelona’s wishlist is said to be Athletic Bilbao boss Rafa Márquez. However, certain quarters reportedly doubt that the manager has the required experience to take the reins in Catalunya.

As per the publication, agent Jorge Mendes has presented Mourinho as another potential replacement, given his past affiliation with the club working under Sir Bobby Robson and his ability to ‘place order in the dressing room’.

However, Mourinho’s past as Real Madrid manager may affect his suitability at the club.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, while agreeing Mourinho could be a good replacement, is said to have vetoed the Portuguese boss’ arrival, believing the coach has done too many things against Barcelona to take over as manager.

Meanwhile back at Roma, De Rossi, who came through the club’s academy and played 616 times for the first team over 18 years, will replace Mourinho until the end of the season.

Roma's owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin said: "We believe that the leadership and ambition that have always characterised him can be decisive in chasing the objectives that the team has ahead of it until end of the season.

"We knew the indissoluble bond that unites Daniele to the club, but the enthusiasm with which he immediately accepted this challenge... further convinced us of his ability to be a guide for the players and a proud representative of the values ​​of this club."

Topics: Football, Jose Mourinho, AS Roma, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.