Reluctant To Leave Italian Serie A, Jose Mourinho Closes To Napoli

JAKARTA - Coach Jose Mourinho did not leave Italy after being dismissed by AS Roma. He was even reportedly close to Napoli. Rumors of Walter Mazzarri's replacement emerged. Mourinho is said to have accepted an offer from the Saudi Arabian club after being unemployed following Roma's dismissal. In addition, Chelsea is on Mourinho's radar.

It does not rule out the opportunity for the former Manchester United manager to return to Stamford Bridge for the third time. The Blues performance that never improved made Mauricio Pochettino's manager's performance highlighted.

Mourinho was dismissed after a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan. The defeat left Roma slumped in ninth place. Mourinho's position was replaced by Daniele De Rossi who was none other than the club's icon.

Fans are actually disappointed by the dismissal of Mourinho who is considered to have restored Roma's image as an elite club. During the match against Verona at the Olimpico, Sunday, January 2, 2024 in the morning WIB, fans unfurled banners and posters of support for Mourinho.

Luckily Mourinho's position was replaced by De Rossi so that it didn't create turmoil. Fans have fallen in love with De Rossi, a local product that never left the Giallorossi in his career as a player. Moreover, De Rossi made a sweet debut as a coach. Roma led him to a 2-1 win over Verona. "It was great when I came back here to watch the game. Even as I walked around the city, I seemed to have the support of fans," said De Rossi.

"This time, I came with a different role. I feel very emotional. Moreover, there was a lot of pressure when I received this job. I heard fans calling my name. Nobody was happier than listening to it," he said again.

Meanwhile, Mourinho will not leave Italy. The former Inter Milan coach is rumored to be meeting with Napoli president Aurelio De Badminton.

This is a continuation of the meeting of Jorge Mendes, Mourinho's agent with Napoli representatives shortly after the coach was dismissed by Roma.

Mourinho has actually received an offer from the Arab club Saud, Al-Shabab. But the 60-year-old coach prioritized coaching clubs in Europe. He also still watched Serie A matches.