By admin 
Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he is interested in managing in Scotland one day.
While preparing to lead his team against Rangers in the Europa League last-16, Mourinho admitted that working in Scotland is something that appeals to him.
However, he clarified that he is fully committed to his current role in Turkey.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first leg against Barry Ferguson’s Rangers side, the 62-year-old was asked if he could see himself managing in Scotland in the future.
“In this moment, no, because I have a job,” Mourinho said. “It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future?
“People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.”
Mourinho also spoke highly of both Glasgow giants, acknowledging their European pedigree and large, dedicated fan bases.
“Why not in the future?” 👀
Jose Mourinho on one day managing Celtic or Rangers. pic.twitter.com/ulZRUZASNo
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2025
“Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations.
“Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan [Rodgers]. Rangers has Ferguson now and I am not searching for a new job.”
Mourinho is looking forward to facing Ferguson in his first European tie as Rangers’ manager. He suggested that the challenge may now be even greater than it would have been under former boss Philippe Clement, who had criticised Mourinho’s style of play after the draw was announced.
“I know his history as a football player for Scotland and for Rangers,” Mourinho said of Ferguson. “I don’t know much about his career as a coach. I respect the emotional connection between him and his club. That is a very important thing, the connection between the fans and the coach.
“You can tell me he doesn’t have much experience in Europe as a coach, but I prefer to go on the positive side.
“It will be much more difficult against him than the previous coach. The previous coach was more worried about philosophy. Ferguson will be more pragmatic. It will be hard for us but it will be hard for them.”
Mourinho revealed that Rangers fans still express their gratitude to him for his Porto side’s victory over Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville. The Portuguese coach went on to win the Champions League with Porto the following year, but that first European triumph remains significant in his rise.
‘What’s his name? Philippe Clement. I’m not going to answer that’ 😬
Jose Mourinho would rather speak about the current Rangers boss.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/g2iQ04mGuh
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) March 5, 2025
“It’s true. Not so much here in Turkey, although maybe this week it will happen,” Mourinho said. “Especially in London, some Rangers fans come up to me. But of course that was a big final, my first European final.”
Mourinho also reflected on his early coaching education in Scotland, where he obtained his B Licence. He recalled his time on the Ayrshire coast with fondness, particularly the atmosphere in Largs.
“The Largs pubs… a disaster. I was only drinking sparkling water,” he joked.
“But it was fantastic. From a learning point of view and a human point of view. They were the biggest guys in Scottish football at that time.
“It was very good on coaching – sometimes badges are just badges, but this was different.
“It was amazing for me. I went there with my university degree – I was still playing, at a low level, but still playing. That coaching course and the methodology level was different.
“After that so many times when I am asked by young coaches, ‘where would be a good first step?’ I say they should go there.”