Football: Jose Mourinho keen to coach coaches in Asia

SINGAPORE: Real Madrid’s head coach Jose Mourinho on Thursday said he was keen to be a coach for Asian coaches.

He said he has spoken to several governments in the region about this commitment.

"Football belongs to the world. It does not belong to just the top teams or to the top countries. It belongs to the world," Mourinho said.

"And if you have the privilege to be in the top clubs, in the top countries, I think you have a responsibility to help other countries to develop. In that area, I am ready to support, by coaching the natural coaches from Asia."

Mourinho floated this idea during his brief stop in Singapore to support the Singapore Olympic Foundation—Peter Lim Scholarship programme.

He did not elaborate on how he would help Asia’s coaches.

Turning to the standard of football, he said Asia lags far behind Europe but was impressed with the passion displayed by Asian footballers.

When asked about the ongoing European championships, Mourinho said he was happy with the win by his country, Portugal. They beat Denmark 3—2 on June 13 in their second game in Group B.

He said Portugal are not even among the top three teams of the competition and added that anything can happen if they qualify for the quarter—finals.

— CNA/wm