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Jose Morais
Since the story broke about Mourinho’s call to Smurthwaite, the odds against one José Morais taking the job at Vale Park have plummeted, and for a time he was odds on favourite to take up the position according to Sky Bet. He is a close friend of the Special One, having met in 2000 during their time at Benfica, and Morais is no stranger to being close to a managerial role in England having worked with Mourinho at Chelsea.
The 50-year-old has been quoted as stating a desire to manage in England, and is currently the manager at Turkish Super Lig outfit Antalyaspor, having led them to a respectable ninth place finish in 2015/16. He worked with Mourinho at Inter Milan and Real Madrid also, before re-joining his compatriot in his second spell at Chelsea. He is said to speak seven languages and to have worked in 10 countries in total. A wealth of experience managing top flight clubs abroad, Morais has stated that he will one day .
These words were published after he was interviewed by the Daily Mail in April. : “England is the home of football” he continued. “The fans are passionate but they are also educated. Sporting supporters.
“I really believe in the next years I will coach in the English league and also believe I will be a champion, to win a league and a European trophy. It is a question of time and this will happen.”
With such wide ambition, is it likely that this man is really the name linked to the Vale Park hotseat? He was apparently in the running for the Swansea manager’s role before it was given to Francesco Guidolin, so it is likely that Morais has eyes on a greater prize than League One football. His success in Turkey has seen him linked with a move to Galatasaray, so it would be by all accounts a surprise move for Morais to make if he does become manager at Port Vale.