“MLS Needs Personalities Like Jose Mourinho” – MLS Legend Says Ex-Roma Boss Can ‘Elevate’ Soccer Just Like Tata Martino Amid Al Shabab Links

Shortly after AS Roma fired him, Jose Mourinho reportedly agreed to join Roshn Saudi League’s Al Shabab. However, the deal is yet to be confirmed as both Mourinho and Al Shabab await the Finance Committee of the Ministry of Sports’ nod. Meanwhile, soccer circles continue to discuss which destination looks best for the Portuguese. In one such discussion, ex-MLS star Ale Moreno revealed that he fancies the veteran’s arrival in the United States. He detailed his thoughts by emphasizing ‘a lot of players would benefit from Jose Mourinho‘.

So far, Jose Mourinho does not have any link to Major League Soccer. If not for Al Shabab, the 60-year-old might return to the English Premier League, per rumors. However, that has not stopped Ale Moreno from ‘selfishly‘ dreaming about the ‘Special One’ coaching an MLS side.

Even if short term, Mourinho’s personality will help ‘elevate the profile’ of the MLS, claimed Moreno

Jose Mourinho’s future after his Roma exit became the talking point in a recent ESPN FC episode. Steve Nicol said it was high time he switched to a national team’s managerial role. Ale Moreno begged to differ. “Selfishly I’d say a club is willing to pay the money, however much that money is. MLS. Major League Soccer needs personalities like Jose Mourinho to elevate the profile. I’m not saying long-term”. He then made a comparison with Inter Miami’s Tata Martino from an experience standpoint.

“I’m saying if he were to go back to those basic things that Stevie was talking about, to what he was in the earlier part of his career, there would be a lot of players who would benefit from Jose Mourinho just like many players benefitted from Tata Martino,” said Ale Moreno. Steve Nicol then asked the ex-MLS star if Mourinho would tolerate having three of his players way above the rest, referring to the Designated Player rule.

Ale Moreno reiterated his thought was just a selfish dream. Though his thoughts sound like a distant dream, Jose Mourinho himself had once remarked he could end up coaching a side in the US. Let’s dive deeper.

Jose Mourinho’s earlier thoughts on coaching in the US

In a 2011 interview, Jose Mourinho said, “I see myself coaching a [club] team, coaching the national team, or helping develop soccer in the U.S. When I’m tired of winning things in Europe, it’s something I want to do.” Besides MLS, Mou could one day coach the USMNT! Current coach Gregg Berhalter’s future will likely depend on how things pan out in the Copa America. Should the US fail to shine at home, he might be shown the door, with a chance for Mourinho to come knocking.

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho’s Sacking Shocked Argentina Boss Lionel Scaloni: “He Had Roma in His Heart”

However, the ‘Special One’ now seems to be more keen on the soccer project in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, Saudi clubs can comfortably afford a lucrative wage for Jose Mourinho. Whereas the MLS clubs will find it much harder considering the amount of restrictions.

What are your thoughts on Ale Moreno’s claim? Tell us in the comments below.

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