Jose Mourinho reveals approach to manage England in past - but didn't want job before Thomas Tuchel's appointment

Mourinho has revealed that he was approached by the Football Association (FA) in 2007, shortly after he left Chelsea, to take on the role of England manager. At that time, the Three Lions were reeling from their failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren. Mourinho, then 44 and highly regarded for his Premier League success with Chelsea, was presented with the offer before the FA ultimately appointed Italian manager Fabio Capello.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Mourinho told Sky Sports,"I think I got it when I left Chelsea for the first time, about 2007-08. Yes, it was on the table and I was almost, almost getting it. But, no."

When asked if he was keen on managing England before Thomas Tuchel's appointment, he said: "Today? No."

Mourinho's hesitance to manage at the international level is not limited to England; he shared that he has turned down similar opportunities to coach his native Portugal on three occasions. Though he has expressed a general interest in leading a national side in a major tournament one day, Mourinho maintained that the timing for such a role has not yet felt right. He remains a club football enthusiast, expressing his preference for a competitive schedule over the relatively sporadic matches of international football.

"Managing Portugal? No," he continued. "Portugal I had on the table, three times and I never accepted it. One day, yes, I think so. But honestly, it is still too much energy to play one match per month. What shall I do in the other months? I need to play matches. So, yes, I think it's something that I would like to do, to have the experience of managing in a World Cup or a Euro. To represent a country, my country or a country, that I feel deeply connected to. One day, I think it will come but not now."

Although Tuchel has been appointed as England's new head coach, he will not officially begin his duties until January 2025. Meanwhile, interim manager and England’s Under-21 coach, Lee Carsley, will take charge of the senior team for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November.