Lyon have failed with an ambitious approach to hire Jose Mourinho as their new head coach, with the Portuguese manager desperate to secure an imminent return to the Premier League.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager is waiting for the right chance to return to club management after being sacked as Red Devils boss in last year.
According to RMC, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas reportedly contacted Mourinho about the vacant managerial role after the sacking of Sylvinho.
However Mourinho made it clear that his focus is on returning to England, where his family currently live, and Lyon will now turn their attention to former Paris Saint-Germain head coach Laurent Blanc.
It is understood that Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing the Tottenham manager’s job as speculation continues over the future of Mauricio Pochettino at the club.
The Daily Mail reports the Portuguese is open to the idea of managing the north London club should Pochettino leave.
Tottenham were Champions League finalists last season, and started the campaign among the favourites to secure a top-four spot – although recent results have undermined their challenge for honours.
Saturday’s shock 3-0 defeat against Brighton followed last Tuesday’s 7-2 thrashing at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, increasing the pressure on their coach Pochettino.
And, never one to sell himself short, Jose Mourinho has said he is waiting for a club “the same level” that he is as a manager.
He said: “I have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity and the right opportunity is one that is at the same size and the same level that I am as a manager. I have to wait for the exact right one.”
