'I am convinced I will work in Saudi Arabia' - Jose Mourinho

Cameron Smith

Updated: 9 Oct 2023 07:06 BST
3 min read

Jose Mourinho, Roma, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is “convinced” that he will manage in Saudi Arabia one day.

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The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur manager is currently in his third season at Roma and has been linked with the exit door already.

The opening seven league games of the Serie A season saw Roma win just twice, which is Mourinho's worst ever start to a league campaign in his entire managerial career. It was also Roma’s worst start to a season since the Italian top flight started handing out three points for a win.

They did, however, beat struggling Cagliari 4-1 on Sunday, but Mourinho remains under pressure as Antonio Conte begins to emerge as a replacement option.

The ex-Inter boss is the current bookies favourite to replace Mourinho in Rome and reports have suggested that Conte is open to the idea of taking over at Roma.

Sections of the Italian media even believe that Conte taking over during the current season cannot be ruled out if Mourinho is unable to guide Roma up the table (they are currently 10th).

Mourinho to Saudi Arabia?

While Mourinho has been linked with the sack, he may even leave Roma by his own accord.

The Portuguese manager was heavily linked with the lucrative Saudi Pro League this summer, but turned down advances from the Middle East in order to stay at Roma.

However, he has now admitted that a move to Saudi Arabia is very likely. “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there,” Mourinho told MBC Egypt TV channel, as per Reuters.

“I don’t know when, but I am pretty sure of it. I am committed to my work with Roma and I want to give everything to the club until the last day. No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this [work in Saudi Arabia],” he concluded.