Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho admitted that he was interested in managing Scotland one day.
In preparation to lead his team against the Rangers in the Europa League last 16, Mourinho admitted that work in Scotland is something that is addressing him.
However, he clarified that he is fully committed to his current role in Turkey.
Speaking at a press conference in front of the first part against the side of Barry Ferguson’s Rangers, the 62 -year -old was asked if he could see himself manage in Scotland in the future.
“At this time, no, because I have a job,” Mourinho said. “It’s a job that encourages me and requires faith. But why not in the future?
“People can say that the Scottish League is a two -team league, but it is a passionate championship. Passion in football is everything.
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is no passion fire makes no sense.”
Mourinho also spoke a lot about the two Glasgow giants, recognizing the European genealogical and large, dedicated fan bases.
“Why not in the future?” 👀
Jose Mourinho in a day managed by Celtic or Rangers. pic.twitter.com/ulzruzasno
– Sky Sports News (@skysportsnews) March 5 2025
“Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history in Europe.
“Celtic has a fantastic coach at Brendan (Rodgers). Rangers now has Ferguson and I’m not looking for a new job.”
Mourinho is looking forward to facing Ferguson in his first European tie as Rangers’ director. He suggested that the challenge could now be even greater than it would be under former boss Philippe Clement, who criticized Mourinho’s play style after the draw was announced.
“I know his story as a footballer for Scotland and Rangers,” Mourinho told Ferguson. “I don’t know much about his career as a coach. I respect the emotional relationship between him and his club. This is a very important thing, the relationship between the fans and the coach.
“You can tell me that he doesn’t have much experience in Europe as a coach, but I prefer to go to the positive side.
“It will be much more difficult against him than the previous coach. The previous coach was more worried about philosophy. Ferguson will be more realistic. It will be difficult for us, but it will be difficult for them.”
Mourinho revealed that Rangers’ fans are still grateful for him for Porto’s victory over Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville. The Portuguese coach continued to win the Champions League with Porto next year, but the first European triumph remains important in his rise.
“What is his name? Philippe Clement. I’m not going to answer it ‘😬
Jose Mourinho prefers to talk about today’s boss Rangers.#Bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/g2iq04mguh
– BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportscot) March 5 2025
“It’s true. Not so much here in Turkey, though maybe this week will happen, “Mourinho said.” Especially in London, some Rangers fans come to me. But of course this was a big final, my first European final. ”
Mourinho also reflects his early training coach in Scotland, where he was licensed B. recalled his time on the Ayrshire coast with love, especially the atmosphere in Largs.
“The pub Largs … a catastrophe. I was only drowning the foam water,” he jerked.
“But it was fantastic. In terms of learning and human view. They were the older children in Scotland football at that time.
“It was very good for training – sometimes the emblems are just badges, but that was different.
“It was amazing for me. I went there with my university degree – I was still playing, at a low level, but still playing. This coaching course and the methodology level was different.
“After that so many times, when I am asked by new coaches,” Where would a good first step be? “I say they have to go there.”
