Portugal approach Jose Mourinho over head coach job

Portugal are looking to let go of head coach Fernando Santos after their elimination from the World Cup, and AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho is a candidate to take over.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese Football Federation would allow Mourinho to take charge of both club and country. He is reportedly intrigued by the idea.

Portugal crashed out of the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat against Morocco. The North Africans became the first nation from the continent to reach the semi-finals.

Despite being unconvincing against Ghana and losing to South Korea, they qualified from their group.

They subsequently thrashed Switzerland 6-1 to book their place in the last eight. It was their most cohesive performance at the tournament, but Morocco sent them packing in the next round.

Mourinho watched Morocco defeat his home nation and praised them for their efforts.

“The coach organised the team very well, starting with 4-3-3,” Mourinho said (via Twitter).

“He was able to change during the game to 5-4-1. The coach saw the danger.

“He saw Portugal accumulating many players in finishing areas, and he found a way to control the game.

“They have players, a coach, and an incredible spirit,”

If Mourinho accepts Portugal’s offer, it will mark his first job with a national team.

Roma may be reluctant to let him go or share time with the national team. Only a handful of managers have managed club and country at the same time.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Guus Hiddink, Fatih Terim, Leonid Slutsky and Rinus Michels previously took charge of club and country simultaneously.

Another target for the role is the current manager of the Portugal national under-21 team Rui Jorge.