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Mourinho not taking sabbatical, to stay in London while job-hunting
The 52-year-old Portuguese says he intends to get back into a job as soon as possible, but in the meantime will be helping “friends” in the cut-throat business of football management.
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will remain in London despite being sacked by the Premier League defending champions on Thursday, according to the agency which represents him.
The 52-year-old Portuguese says he intends to get back into a job as soon as possible, but in the meantime will be helping “friends” in the cut-throat business of football management. “He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward,” said a statement from CAA.
“Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.
“Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.
“Jose will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future. He asks the media to respect this decision.”
Although Chelsea announced the separation was by “mutual consent”, the CAA statement directly contradicted that version of events.
“During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave,” it said.
“Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.”
Mourinho’s first stint at the west Londoners from 2004 to 2007 also ended with him being shown the door due to differences with billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich, despite the self-styled ‘Special One’ leading the Blues to two Premier League titles, as many League Cup wins and an FA Cup success.
He went on to win the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010 and lifted league titles in both Italy and Spain, with Real Madrid, before rejoining Chelsea in 2013.
Another league title and League Cup win followed for the man who first came to prominence in 2004 when guiding Porto to the Champions League crown.
Experienced Dutch coach Guus Hiddink confirmed on Friday that he is in talks to succeed Mourinho as interim manager.
The 69-year-old stepped in at Chelsea in similar circumstances in 2009, succeeding the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari to lead the club to FA Cup glory.
