Jose Mourinho says he's 'ready' for Premier League return and wants to manage a club 'at the bottom' to avoid UEFA competitions following Man Utd draw & another red card

The Portuguese’s comment comes off the back of a Europa League reunion with former employers Manchester United. Mourinho collected another red card in that contest, as he was sent off from the dugout for protesting against decisions from the match officials that he disagreed with.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce were able to hold United to a 1-1 draw, but their manager cut a frustrated figure again in post-match interviews. Mourinho claims to have had enough of continental competition and – having previously spent time with United, Chelsea and Tottenham – is willing to work with a smaller team in England.

Mourinho told reporters: "The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fener is that I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition. So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go. I don’t want to speak anymore about it. I want to speak about the game."

While eager to steer the line of questioning away from the future and back towards the present, Mourinho was reluctant to be drawn on his latest dismissal. Quizzed on whether he is planning an appeal, the enigmatic 61-year-old said: "If I appeal, I will get six months [ban]. Since the Sevilla-Roma final there is nothing to do. That is why the future is better without European competition, so I don’t get upset."

Mourinho was handed a four-match touchline ban in the wake of Roma’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in 2023. He aimed a volley of abuse at Premier League referee Anthony Taylor after that contest, but has not calmed down since and continues to get himself into trouble with European football’s governing body.