Barcelona could face former foe in the Champions League as Jose Mourinho is offered to Napoli
In around a month’s time FC Barcelona will face off against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
After two seasons of not qualifying for the knockout phase of the competition, the Blaugrana have made it through this time around and will be eager to advance further in Europe’s premier club tournament.
However, a familiar foe could come up against the La Liga behemoths and cause a roadblock to their ambitions.
Jose Mourinho offered to Napoli
Napoli have not enjoyed the best of campaigns so far, after having won the Serie A title last season.
Given their disappointing run, there has already been a managerial change, with Rudi Garcia getting replaced by Walter Mazzarri. But things have not improved a great deal under the new coach.
As such, Napoli have been offered the services of former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho by super agent Jorge Mendes, reports Sky Sport Italia (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
It has been only three days since Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma, but Mendes is already busy at work to find a new club for him and has offered him to Napoli.
Napoli play Fiorentina in the Italian Super Cup semi-finals later tonight and a defeat could put Mazzarri’s position under threat, with Mourinho waiting in the wings.
Mourinho vs Barcelona – a spicy rivalry
Jose Mourinho and Barcelona have a rich shared history, after all the Portuguese spent time at the club very early in his career as an assistant manager.
The 60-year-old had aspirations to become the first-team manager at the club, but it was not to be and his career path took a different turn as he had successful stints at FC Porto, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, before ending up at Real Madrid.
Mourinho’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu sparked a heated rivalry between Real and Barça with lines getting blurred on several occasions.
Since his stint in Madrid, the 60-year-old has had spells with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Roma. And there may be a possibility that he takes over at Napoli next, which could see him end up facing Barcelona next month.
