Following the recent departure of Jose Mourinho from AS Roma, speculation is rife regarding his next managerial destination.
Rio Ferdinand, on his Vibe with Five podcast, as reported by Daily Mail, has candidly expressed his views on where the Portuguese tactician should head next.
Despite Mourinho being relieved of his duties at Roma, where the team was underperforming in Serie A, the revered coach's future remains a hot topic in football circles.
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In their first game without Jose Mourinho since he was fired by the Serie A club earlier this week, Roma fans overflowed with praise for the Portuguese manager.
Ferdinand's Newcastle Dream
Ferdinand, the ex-Manchester United defender, explicitly dismissed the idea of Mourinho replacing Gareth Southgate as the England manager.
He humorously compared the switch from Southgate to Mourinho as going "from ready salted to vindaloo," highlighting the stark contrast in their styles and personalities.
Turning his attention to club football, Ferdinand categorically ruled out a third Mourinho stint at Chelsea. He opined that for the Blues, bringing back Mourinho would be a step backwards, a move he believes the club's American owners are unlikely to make.
The real twist in Ferdinand's perspective came with his suggestion for Mourinho's potential Premier League return. He expressed a keen desire to see Mourinho at the helm of Newcastle United.
Under their Saudi ownership, the Magpies are poised to challenge the Premier League's top-tier teams, and Ferdinand believes Mourinho could be the ideal figure to lead this charge.
However, Ferdinand was quick to praise current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, acknowledging his exceptional work at the club. He made it clear that he wouldn't want to see Howe dismissed, underscoring the remarkable job Howe has done.
Ferdinand's comments about Mourinho's possible future highlight the Portuguese coach's storied career in England, having managed Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen and often controversial media presence, has left an indelible mark on the Premier League.
Interestingly, Mourinho shares a deep connection with former Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson. He began his coaching journey under Robson at Porto and Sporting Lisbon, initially as a translator before evolving into an assistant coach.
Recent reports suggest Mourinho is contemplating a break from football management following his departure from Roma, where he notably led the team to the Europa Conference League title in 2022. Whether Mourinho heeds Ferdinand's call and considers a role at Newcastle, or takes a different path, remains to be seen