As an Indian football fan, I’m tired of false promises. I’ve watched our national team stumble through
qualifier after qualifier, seen coaches come and go with grand plans that never materialize, and endured the embarrassment of being ranked 125th in the world despite having 1.4 billion people to choose from.
But now, with Jose Mourinho suddenly available after his Fenerbahce departure, I can’t help but dream.
What if this is our moment? What if the man who turned Porto into European champions could work his magic on Indian football?
I know it sounds crazy. My friends laugh when I mention it. “Mourinho in India? He’ll never come here,”
they say. But hear me out — this might be exactly what both parties need.
We’re Desperate, And I’m Not Ashamed to Admit It
Let’s be honest about where we stand. Indian football team coaches have been disappointing us for
decades. We get excited about new appointments, watch a few matches with hope, then reality hits.
Another failed World Cup qualifying campaign. Another early exit from the AFC Asian Cup. Another
generation of talent wasted.
I’ve been supporting this team since I was eight years old. I’ve stayed up for 2 AM kickoffs, defended our
players on social media against trolls, and genuinely believed “this time will be different” more times than
I care to count. The India rank in football keeps fluctuating between 100–130, and honestly, even that
feels generous sometimes.
We need a miracle. Or at least, we need someone with the stature to shake the system.
Mourinho Thrives in Chaos
If there’s one thing Jose Mourinho has shown throughout his career, it’s that he thrives in chaos. Porto,
Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma — every club he’s joined was in
some kind of crisis, and he turned most of them into winners.
India is footballing chaos personified. Disorganized federations, poor infrastructure, constant politics, and
a fan base that has nearly given up. Mourinho could be the disruptive force we need. He wouldn’t care
about upsetting officials. He wouldn’t care about bruising egos. He would demand excellence, and for once,
people would listen.
The Young Players Need a Fearless Leader
Look at our current squad. There’s talent there — players like Sunil Chhetri (though aging), Sahal Abdul
Samad, Anirudh Thapa, and emerging youngsters. But they lack belief. They play like they’re waiting for
something to go wrong.
Mourinho has built his career on instilling belief. He made ordinary players believe they could beat the best
in the world. He gave fighters like Marco Materazzi, Diego Milito, and Ricardo Carvalho the confidence to
stand tall against giants. Imagine what that mentality could do for our boys.
The Global Spotlight India Needs
Hiring Mourinho isn’t just about tactics. It’s about attention. Let’s face it, the world doesn’t take Indian
football seriously. We’re the land of cricket, and football is treated like a side hobby. But if Jose Mourinho
became our coach, every football journalist on earth would take notice.
Suddenly, Indian football would be in global headlines. International friendlies would be scheduled.
Sponsors would line up. Youngsters who might otherwise quit football for more stable careers would feel
inspired to keep going.
Mourinho wouldn’t just coach the team. He’d put us on the map.
Yes, It’s a Fantasy — But Why Not Dream?
I know it’s unlikely. Mourinho probably has offers from top European clubs. His salary demands alone
would dwarf AIFF’s entire budget. And yes, he’d have to deal with long travel, questionable pitches, and a
football culture that still feels amateurish in many ways.
But what if he said yes? What if, for once, India took a bold gamble instead of the safe, boring option?
What if the man who once called himself “The Special One” decided to take on the ultimate challenge —
making India a respectable football nation?
We’d have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Final Thoughts
Maybe I’m just a dreamer. Maybe this will never happen. But as an Indian football fan, I’m tired of settling
for mediocrity. I’m tired of excuses.
Jose Mourinho managing India sounds ridiculous, but so did Leicester City winning the Premier League,
so did Greece winning Euro 2004, so did Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona. Football is built on the impossible.
So why not us? Why not now? Why not Jose Mourinho?
