Mourinho to consider Eng job

2007-12-03 16:30

Barry Hatton

Lisbon - Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would consider becoming coach of England's national team if approached by the Football Association, his media adviser said on Monday.

"There's been no direct contact from the FA or on its behalf," Eladio Parames told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

However, Parames said Mourinho, who has been out of soccer since leaving Chelsea on Sept 20, would be happy to examine any offer from the FA.

"It would be an honour," Parames said. "He likes English soccer, the English people, the country, the players. It would be something he'd consider. But he's not waving his hand in the air trying to get (the FA's) attention. If he's approached, he'll reply."

Parames declined to comment on media reports that Mourinho would want the FA to set up a national training centre and dedicate a full-time medical department to the national team. He said the reports were speculative.

Mourinho "obviously has ideas about what he would do" if he were England coach, Parames said. "If he were approached he'd consider it, discuss it, negotiate, present his own ideas.

"Jose's problem would never be money. If he's approached, invited, there will be positive and negative things for him to consider. He'll weigh the pros and cons," Parames said.

Fabio Capello has expressed interest

A possible negative aspect could be Mourinho's concerns about his family's privacy, Parames said.

Mourinho led Chelsea to back-to-back English league titles as well as two domestic cups. He left the club after falling out with Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Former England coach Steve McClaren was fired last month after England failed to qualify for next year's European Championships.

Former AC Milan, AS Roma and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, who has expressed interested in the England job, is another leading contender for the post.

England captain John Terry, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, has publicly he stated he would like to see the Portuguese coach get the job.

Chelsea teammates Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips are also England players.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who is assigned with finding a coach and getting his choice approved by the board, has said there is no time frame for making an appointment. England will play only friendlies until qualifying for the 2010 World Cup begins in September. England is expected to play a friendly on Feb 6.

Barwick has sounded out several leading figures for advice, including Uefa president Michel Platini, former Germany coach Franz Beckenbauer, Wales coach John Toshack and Terry.

- SAPA