Jose Mourinho nearly managed Barcelona before Guardiola was chosen
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 28, 2026, 10:50 AM
Last updated Sep 28, 2026
Jose Mourinho was a leading candidate for Barcelona manager in 2008, nearly succeeding Frank Rijkaard. Despite winning the club's internal vote for the position, Joan Laporta ultimately appointed Pep Guardiola, influenced by Johan Cruyff and Txiki Begiristain. Mourinho had expressed a strong desire to return to Barcelona, where he had previously served as an assistant. His eventual absence from the role sparked a significant rivalry during his tenure at Real Madrid, contrasting with Guardiola’s historic success at Barcelona.
- •Mourinho received the most votes in the initial selection process.
- •Laporta chose Guardiola after consulting with Cruyff and Begiristain.
- •Mourinho had a deep connection to Barcelona from his previous roles.
- •The decision to appoint Guardiola led to a transformative era for Barcelona.
- •Mourinho later built rivalries with Barcelona during his time at Real Madrid.
- 10:50 AMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho almost became Barcelona manager before Joan Laporta stepped in – report
"Jose Mourinho’s history with Barcelona could have been dramatically different.Long before becoming one of the club’s fiercest rivals during his time at Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach came remar...
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