JOSE MOURINHO has admitted that coaching Lionel Messi would be an “honour”.
The 61-year-old has managed the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and, most recently, Roma.
Having worked in Europe throughout his entire coaching career, Mourinho has crossed paths with Messi on several occasions.
However, he is yet to have the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner on one of his teams.
And, in an interview with football influencer Ohm on YouTube, ‘the Special One’ admitted that he wished he could have worked with Messi.
When asked which player he would have loved to coach, Mourinho responded: “An example is Messi, he doesn’t need to be coached. Who can say ‘I was Messi’s coach.’
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“It seems absurd to me, because he knows everything and was born with everything. Maybe he can teach you things.
“It would only be to say that I had the honour of having him in the team. Then there are a lot of players.”
He went on to add: “To stay on the subject of Roma, I would have liked [Daniele] De Rossi at Inter and Real Madrid, but it wasn’t possible.
“I also wanted [Francesco] Totti at Inter, despite his age, and it wasn’t possible. They’re always players you want to coach in your career.”
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Mourinho has been without a job since leaving Roma last month – although he has been linked with a stunning return to Stamford Bridge if Mauricio Pochettino is sacked.
He was sacked by the Serie A giants after two-and-a-half years in charge.
But his latest comment on Messi could be a hint at his future.
Mourinho could eventually take over at Inter Miami, where the Barcelona legend is currently playing.
Gerardo Martino is currently manager of the MLS side, but owner David Beckham could decide to switch directions and recruit the Portugal-born boss.
In 2011, Mourinho admitted that he would be open to working in the United States one day.
He said: “I see myself coaching a [club] team, coaching the national team, or helping develop soccer in the U.S. When I’m tired of winning things in Europe, it’s something I want to do.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
