Jose Mourinho: Why Roma boss is the perfect fit for Portugal

• Portugal have sacked Fernando Santos after a quarter-final World Cup exit
• Jose Mourinho is among the big names tipped to take on the manager's role
• At club level, Mourinho has won it all, including Champions Leagues crowns

Portugal might have a genuine shot at success if they end up capturing Jose Mourinho’s services, following the departure of Fernando Santos.

Santos’ exit was confirmed on Thursday, December 15, with his last match as Portugal boss being the painful 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the World Cup semi-final.

Four years ago, the European powerhouses were knocked out of the Mundial in the last 16, and also exited in the same stage at Euro 2020.

Reports in Italy have since emerged claiming that the Portuguese FA consider Mourinho - currently at AS Roma - as a top contender for the vacant job.

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The reports further claim that the Selecao are content with Mourinho combining his role at Roma with national team duties.

Sports Brief takes a look at just why Mourinho could be the answer to Portugal’s prayers, after their latest setback at the World Cup.

1. He's a proven winner

When it comes to winning silverware, no one does it better than Mourinho.

As per Transfermarkt, the gaffer has eight league titles, two Champions Leagues crowns, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League under his belt, which speaks volumes about what he is capable of.

2. He helps players thrive

Another interesting attribute about Mourinho is his exemplary ability to get the best out of players who are willing to work with him.

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Nemanja Matic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Diego Milito, John Obi Mikel and more recently, Tammy Abraham at Roma have all earned a reputation - one way or another - after working with 'The Special One'.

With the Portugal squad having upcoming prospects like Goncalo Ramos, such players are likely to be in safe hands under Mourinho’s guidance.

3. His cup record is proven

Another unique attribute of Mourinho is his ability to get the best out of his team in competitions.

At Manchester United, despite the club’s problems, Mourinho somehow managed to win the Europa League with a depleted squad in 2017.

He seems to have a knack of knowing the nature of opponents, and what his side needs to do to win a particular game at a given time.

For Mourinho, the end always justifies the means, and that could be exactly what Portugal needs.

4. His success in early years

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As a club coach, Mourinho has always been successful in his first few years.

At FC Porto, he won the Champions League just two years after taking charge of the club, while his first season at Chelsea ended in Premier League success.

It took him a little over a year to win a trophy at Manchester United, while at Inter, he established his philosophy in a year to win the Champions League with the Nerazzuri in 2010.

He also won the Serie A twice.

5. He has a Portuguese connection

The more obvious reason why Mourinho might have the perfect marriage with the Portugal national team is the fact that he actually hails from the country.

He had a brief playing career in the Portuguese leagues, before eventually deciding to dip his toes into football management.