Reports suggest Mourinho will take over the Portuguese national team
This World Cup has become a farewell stage for many veteran footballers, and may also trigger a number of changes in national team coaching positions. Portugal is facing such a potential shift. According to ESPN, current Portugal coach Roberto Martinez's contract expires after the World Cup, making Jose Mourinho a leading candidate to succeed him. This change could also trigger a chain reaction in the Portuguese league, with Benfica reportedly considering hiring former Manchester United manager Amorim if Mourinho takes over.
As one of the favorites to win this World Cup, Portugal's squad strength is widely recognized, placing immense pressure on coach Martinez. For this team with championship aspirations, reaching the semi-finals is perhaps the minimum expectation of the football association and fans. If the team fails to meet expectations, Martinez will likely bear the responsibility, significantly increasing the likelihood of his departure after the World Cup. Mourinho, as one of the most successful coaches in Portuguese football history, naturally becomes the best candidate to succeed him.
While Mourinho's coaching philosophy and tactical style have been the subject of much debate, no one denies his ability to manage cup competitions. From Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid to Manchester United and Roma, Mourinho has led his clubs to numerous titles. His in-game management and tactical arrangements in cup matches are particularly noteworthy. If he were to take charge of the Portuguese national team, he could potentially bring even more winning opportunities. It's also worth mentioning that many Portuguese players have previously worked with Mourinho, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo. If Ronaldo doesn't retire from the national team after the World Cup, the two could have another chance to work together.
Mourinho's club coaching career has been less than successful in recent years. From Roma to Fenerbahce, and now Benfica, he has repeatedly clashed with club management, sometimes to the point of irreconcilable conflict. Despite earning over €100 million in release clause fees alone, Mourinho's passion for coaching has never waned; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken the helm at Benfica. When club coaching hits a plateau, a move to the national team might be a fresh start for Mourinho's coaching career.
If Mourinho leaves Benfica after the World Cup to coach the Portuguese national team, Benfica considers Amorim the best candidate for the new manager. Amorim is well-versed in the Portuguese league, having achieved impressive results with Sporting CP. If he returns to the Portuguese league, he has the ability to help Benfica return to its peak. However, given Amorim's experience coaching a top club like Manchester United, it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to return to the Portuguese league, outside of the top five European leagues. However, judging from his performance at Manchester United, it won't be easy to regain a position at a top club in one of the top five leagues in the short term. Starting over in the Portuguese league might be a good option.
This potential managerial change involves the coaching strategies of both the Portuguese national team and the top Portuguese clubs, with the World Cup results becoming a key catalyst. Regardless of whether the change ultimately comes to fruition, the future of Mourinho and Amorim, as well as Portugal's World Cup journey, have become the focus of attention for fans.
