Jose Mourinho may 'try something new' with international switch after Roma exit, says Steve Sidwell

Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell believes that Jose Mourinho could be tempted to "try something new" and move into international management after his departure from Roma this week.

Mourinho was sacked by the Serie A side after seeing his side slump to ninth place in Serie A, with the Portuguese coach struggling to get his team to mount a challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot.

The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United boss did win the UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022, but was unable to build on that triumph.

There has been speculation about where Mourinho will head next.

He has previously been linked with the Portugal job - a move he said he turned down while at Roma - and a switch to the Saudi Pro League has also been mentioned.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Sidwell suggested that now Mourinho is seemingly in the twilight of his career, he might want to swap club football for a change of pace.

Sidwell, who was signed by Mourinho at Chelsea in the summer of 2007 ahead of the final few months of his time at the club, said: "Jose leaving Roma was a bit of a shock.

“[But] nothing surprises me in football. He’d done a great job there, certainly brought a lot of passion from the fans and connection to the players.

"I think they were still selling out full attendances at the stadium, so bringing that connection to the fans was one thing he brought.

“What’s next for Jose? There’s a lot of talk about a national coaching role, as a manager for one of the countries.

"I think he’s still got the hunger and passion, the desire for more trophies. He’s a born winner but I could see him dipping into national management.

“I think the day-to-day suits him, that’s where he comes alive in sessions. The clipboard comes out, it’s always enjoyable. That hunger, that desire, burn that he’s got to do that day in, day out.

"I’m sure he’s got offers but I think he might try something new and he’s not getting any younger, so I think he could go in that direction.”

Portugal's current head coach is Roberto Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos at the start of 2023.

Mourinho has never previously managed an international team.

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