José Mourinho has described his time at AS Roma as the "most beautiful" of his career while offering a pointed critique of modern football management, according to an interview published by Italian newspaper Il Giornale. The Portuguese coach, who was dismissed by the Giallorossi in January, spoke openly about his connection to the club and its supporters, while also commenting on the Serie A title race and the state of the Italian national team.
Mourinho, who led Roma to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022, stated that the atmosphere surrounding the club was unparalleled in his experience. "I have never felt such an incredible environment around a football team," Mourinho said, referencing consistently sold-out crowds at the Stadio Olimpico. He specifically defended the Roma fanbase from criticism, stating, "No one should blame the Roma fans if the team doesn't win. The yellow-and-red supporters are the ones who help the team; no one should touch them." His departure in January, following a period of inconsistent results, ended a two-and-a-half-year reign.
The 61-year-old also addressed the impending Serie A title win for Inter Milan, managed by his former player Cristian Chivu. Mourinho expressed pleasure for Chivu but admitted surprise at his career path. "When I coached him I would never have thought he could become a manager," Mourinho said. "He didn't seem a destined one. He has been intelligent, he studied and served his apprenticeship." He used the example to criticise a trend in management, adding, "Many today go into the dugout because they know how to sell themselves well." Mourinho also rejected the modern emphasis on playing philosophy over results, calling it "the biggest lie in football."
On the topic of the Italian national team, which failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and will miss the 2024 European Championship, Mourinho advised against hiring a foreign coach. "You don't need a foreign manager," he stated, suggesting instead that Italy should look to domestic options like Massimiliano Allegri or Antonio Conte. He argued for a systemic overhaul, pointing to Portugal's youth development as a model. "Italy must rethink everything from the base," he said, endorsing Italian National Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò as a figure who could instigate change.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup in North America, Mourinho suggested he might only follow the tournament from the quarter-final stage onwards. "I'm thinking of taking holidays until the quarter-finals," he said, claiming that many participating teams are only there "to lose" and that the real competition begins in the latter stages. He tipped Portugal, Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, Argentina, and France as leading contenders, while noting England's perennial potential. Mourinho concluded by playfully hinting at a future ambition, stating his next goal is to "take Benfica into the Champions League," without elaborating on any potential return to management in Portugal.
