Recent rumors suggest that José Mourinho is in discussions for the position of head coach of the Cameroonian national team. These whispers, although surprising at first glance, have been amplified following an enigmatic statement by the Portuguese coach on Tuesday.
The idea of a collaboration between Mourinho and Cameroon was initiated by Samuel Eto’o, his former player (Inter Milan and then Chelsea) and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation. Discussions between the two parties are described as “very advanced” according to some sources, including CRTV.
However, despite the mutual interest shown by Mourinho, significant obstacles remain, as we reported on Tuesday. The Cameroonian government is reportedly unwilling to spend more than 1.5 million euros per year on the position, while Mourinho’s salary demands would be much higher, which could seriously jeopardize his appointment.
Mourinho sees himself as a national team coach, but…
It is in this context that the Mou made a media appearance on Tuesday. “Coaching a national team is a goal for me. Maybe just before the World Cup, the Euros or the Copa America, the CAN… I can, yes,” slipped the Portuguese to insider Fabrizio Romano, thus hinting at the possibility of a new career direction. While many Lions Indomptables supporters interpreted these remarks as an open door to Cameroon, the rest of the statement has a cooling effect.
“But waiting two years for that, I don’t know! Maybe someday it will happen,” nuanced the 61-year-old coach, implying that he sees himself more joining a team just before a tournament, which is not the case for Cameroon at the moment (the CAN 2025 will take place in the summer of 2025 or early 2026).
If his arrival were to materialize, Mourinho would obviously bring his expertise and considerable experience to the Cameroonian national team, gained through his stints at prestigious European clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Manchester United. This potential collaboration is already generating keen interest among Cameroonian supporters, who hope to see their national team regain its former glory. However, it is unlikely that it will be with the Special One on the bench, but you never know…
