Barcelona has issued an official statement regarding the possibility of Jose Mourinho becoming their next manager.
The Catalan club is actively seeking a new coach to assume leadership in the summer following Xavi Hernandez’s decision to step down from his role.
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Mourinho, who was dismissed by Roma last month after a tenure of two-and-a-half years, has been linked with various managerial positions.
Speculations have arisen suggesting that the former Real Madrid manager could potentially take over from Xavi at the Nou Camp, with even airport encounters being brought into question.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, who experienced success under Mourinho’s guidance at Porto, is spearheading the quest for a new manager.
However, Deco has clarified that there have been no discussions between him and Mourinho, hinting that Mourinho might not align with the club’s vision.
“He is a great friend of mine but I haven’t talked with him in a long time,” he told Esport3, via Metro.
“We’re looking for a manager who can adapt to the club’s situation and that can keep developing the young players we have.”
During Louis van Gaal’s tenure at Barcelona, Jose Mourinho was associated with the club and was considered as a potential candidate when Frank Rijkaard was dismissed.
However, Barcelona concluded that Mourinho’s tactical approach did not align with their footballing philosophy, leading them to appoint Pep Guardiola instead.
Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid saw him engage in fierce competition with Barcelona, during which he secured La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles.
Recent reports have linked Mourinho with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League or Napoli.
Following his departure from Roma under strained circumstances, there have been reports suggesting that Mourinho left his UEFA Conference League ring in the locker of captain Lorenzo Pellegrini in the dressing room, interpreted by some as a parting gesture aimed at the players he once managed.
Il Messaggero also claim there was a note, which read: “When you are men, give it back to me”.
