- José Mourinho could become Barcelona’s next coach
- A Barcelona legend called Mourinho “a winner” and said he would fit in perfectly
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A Barcelona legend has urged the club to hire Jose Mourinho as their next manager to replace the outgoing Xavi, insisting he should not be overlooked just because he has history managing Real Madrid’s rivals.
Two-time Champions League winner Mourinho is looking for a new job after being sacked by Roma in January following one win in six, with club legend Daniele De Rossi replacing him.
Barça are also looking for a new coach following the news that Xavi would leave his position at the end of the season.
The Spanish giants’ only hope of winning any trophies this season is the LaLiga title, and that looks slim with Madrid eight points behind them with seven games left.
And given Mourinho’s record of success, the club’s legendary player Rivaldo believes he would be a “great signing” at the Camp Nou and praised his title record, calling him “a winner.”
A Barcelona legend has urged the club to hire José Mourinho as their next manager
The club is looking for a new coach and Xavi will leave the Camp Nou this summer
“There are many fans who do not accept players or coaches who played or managed their rival team,” he told Betfair, via Sun. But José Mourinho was already at Barcelona, with Sir Bobby Robson, and he is a great person.
“Of course, his intensity as a coach and sometimes his controversy with his own fans could be a concern from the beginning, but he is a winner.
“Taking into account that he has no club and the situation at Barcelona, in my opinion, right now it is easier for him to join the team than for Guardiola, and I think he would be a great signing for Barcelona, although some fans don’t do it.” I don’t like the name.
“He would certainly do a great job, he knows the team, the Spanish league, the Champions League and has a lot of experience.”
Rivaldo believes that the ‘winner’ Mourinho would fit perfectly despite his past at Real Madrid
However, he was not confident in the possibility of Pep Guardiola making a sensational return to Barcelona, having won three LaLiga titles, two Copas del Rey and two Champions League titles during his four years.
“I don’t see Guardiola joining Barcelona anytime soon,” he added.
“I think the only realistic opportunity would be when he wants to return home and enjoy family life more, which is easier for him in Barcelona, and at the same time he can coach the team.
“He is doing well in England and I think this return will also depend on the club’s financial situation and whether they can bring in players for Guardiola.”
Rivaldo enjoyed his best years at Camp Nou, playing for the club 235 times, more than any other club, and scoring 130 goals. He won four trophies during his five seasons there.
He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having scored 377 goals in 813 club matches, as well as 35 in 74 international matches for his country, with whom he won the World Cup in 2002.
