JOSE MOURINHO is willing to become the next England
manager.
The Chelsea boss WANTS to remain at Stamford Bridge but has become
increasingly aware that Blues owner Roman Abramovich will oust him
this summer. And Mourinho has told pals that if he is axed by
Chelsea and the England job becomes available he WILL talk to the
FA.
A source admitted: "If Jose is out of Chelsea in the summer and
there is a vacancy with England he would listen to what the FA have
to say." England boss Steve McClaren's position is under intense
pressure. Should England fail to win their European Championship
qualifier in Estonia on June 6 then McClaren will be sacked. But
there are senior figures at the FA who already think McClaren was
the wrong choice to succeed Sven Goran Eriksson and want a change
in the summer.
Key members of the FA's international committee will be intrigued
to know that Mourinho would be willing to step in. Bolton boss Sam
Allardyce has been identified as the No1 choice to succeed
McClaren. But Mourinho's potential availability will force a
re-think.
In the past Mourinho, 44, has suggested running a national side
would only happen later in his career and that he would like to
coach his native Portugal. But circumstances have changed. Mourinho
wants to continue at Chelsea, until his deal ends in 2010. He and
his family enjoy London but his relationship with Abramovich seems
to have broken down irrevocably.
Mourinho recently hinted he would be interested in a move to Real
Madrid. But it now seems Bernd Schuster is ready to take over
there.
