If you had told any Spurs fans even 18 months ago that Jose Mourinho would manage the club, they would likely have laughed. The ex-Chelsea pragmatist who had insulted Spurs at almost every opportunity? Not likely. Given the side built under predecessor Mauricio Pochettino, the fit never felt natural whatsoever. And after less than eighteen months, he was gone – the Mourinho era at Spurs included a documentary, a few bombastic press conferences, and a spat with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Other than that, besides the hot form of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, positivity was thin on the ground.
Still, football is an odd industry; even massive public failure at a club that should have been enthralled by the ex-coach cannot stop new job opportunities arising. In fact, the next job for Mourinho might arrive as soon as the summer – or even earlier – with a move to La Liga. This time, Mourinho will be arriving at embattled Spanish giants Valencia.
Reports in Spain suggest that Mourinho is being lined up with a move to Spain, taking over one of the most passionate and demanding clubs in Europe. Despite an incredible history and heritage, the current ownership and sporting situation at Valencia shows a club that is in near disarray.
Owner Peter Lim has previously worked closely with Jorge Mendes, the agent of Mourinho, and several of his clients currently play for Los Che. With VCF looking to rebuild in the summer and start moving up the table as opposed to fighting relegation, the arrival of a pragmatic winner like Mourinho could be ideal.
In fact, many see similarities with the job he could do and the job that previous coach Marcelino was able to do.
What does Mourinho’s return mean for Spurs?
Well, one thing Spurs probably cannot rely upon is moving any ex-players to join Mourinho in Spain. For one, he seemed to make a pretty negative impression on the majority of the playing staff come the end. It’s unlikely they would be happy to move back to play for him. One player who could, though, is Sergio Reguilon; his return to Spain could take place after a strong but injury-hit campaign.
Mourinho, though, is likely to arrive at Valencia with the need to start afresh. At least it is unlikely the two teams will meet in Europe; Valencia are unlikely to come close to European qualification this season. As such, we could see Mourinho taking on a side outside of Europe for the first time in a while.
Although seen as a coup for Spurs at the time, the disintegration of good will and optimism around the Mourinho era after just one year shows how volatile the situation was. For Mourinho, this could be his last chance to make a big impression in Europe. Expected to do so with Spurs, the Valencia project is likely to be a genuine last-chance saloon.
The other linked role for Mourinho was at Lyon in France, but it appears now that Valencia, desperate for a PR win, could make the move for the former Spurs coach before anyone else.
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