Jose wants big club or nothing

'Special One' has turned down ten clubs as he waits for right opportunity

Last updated: 13th May 2008

Jose wants big club or nothing

Mourinho: Waiting game

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Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has re-iterated his desire to coach at a top club - or he will not work at all.

The 'Special One' has revealed that he has turned down returning to work at about ten clubs so far as he waits for a big club in either Spain or Italy.

But he could have a long wait as big clubs he has previously been linked with - Internazionale, Real Madrid and Barcelona - all now appear to have their coaches in place for next season.

Roberto Mancini looks set to stay as Inter coach after previously threatening to quit, Madrid coach Bernd Schuster is also set to continue in his role and Barca have appointed Josep Guardiola to replace Frank Rijkaard.

But Mourinho, who has been out of the game since leaving Chelsea last September, insists he is prepared to wait for the right job.

Big enough

He told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "Take Marcello Lippi as an example. He was world champion with Italy, now he's not working, so he's waiting for a club that's big enough for him.

"As I'm not prepared to take a step back and become a mid-level coach, I'll either work for a big club or I won't work. Full stop.

"That's why in these past few months I've turned down - I don't know - eight, nine or 10 clubs, because I wasn't prepared to take a step backwards."

He has also reiterated his desire to coach in either Spain or Italy, saying: "Right now I have one priority: I would like to coach in either the Spanish or Italian championship, as these are the strongest in the world."