Patricio, Mkhitaryan, clearing deadwoods – Jose Mourinho’s to-do list at AS Roma

The Portuguese gaffer is set to take over at AS Roma from next season. From bringing new talents, cultivating the young ones and clearing deadwoods - here is Jose Mourinho's to-do list at AS Roma.

A Mural Dedicated To The New Roma Coach Jose Mourinho on Scooter
A Mural Dedicated To The New Roma Coach Jose Mourinho - Jose on Scooter / IMAGO

The Portuguese gaffer is set to take over at AS Roma from next season.

All eyes will be on the “special one” Jose Mourinho as he is set to take over at AS Roma from next season.

The Italian capital club decided to replace Paulo Fonseca with the Portuguese gaffer, who was sacked by Tottenham months ago.

Following back to back disappointing spells with Manchester United and Spurs in the Premier League, Mourinho will make his return to Serie A after a decade.

Here is the to-do list of the former Chelsea boss ahead of next season.

Rui Patricio interest

Mourinho is said to be keen on a move for veteran Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who faces an uncertain future at Molineux stadium following the departure of manager Nuno Santo.’

Although his form with Wolverhampton has taken a hit, Patricio has come into his own in the ongoing Euro 2020 for the Portugal national team, who were knocked out of the competition by Belgium on Sunday.

Mourinho considers Patricio as his main man between the sticks, although he has got Paul Lopez at his disposal.

Patricio’s candidacy could take a hit, after he conceded from a powerful yet straight-forward strike from Thorgan Hazard. It led to elimination of defending champions Portugal from Euro 2020.

Making Mkhitaryan central to his plans

It was quite surprising to hear that Mourinho had made Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Roma’s best player last season, central to his plans despite the frosty relationship between them at Man Utd.

Following the Portuguese gaffer’s approval, the Armenian playmaker extended his contract until next summer, and he is expected to play a key role for Giallorossi next season as he did the last term.

Completing the deal for Granit Xhaka

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka‘s rumours have surfaced ever since Mourinho was confirmed as Roma’s new manager.

The Swiss midfielder also looks interested in trying green pastures after spending five years at the Emirates stadium. Mourinho sees Xhaka as a key cog in his midfield.

Clearing deadwoods

One of the major tasks for Mourinho is to get rid of players who have been on the club’s payroll unnecessarily. Furthermore, the Portuguese managers’ ambition in the transfer market could be hindered by the club’s financial crisis. The likes of Edin Dzeko and Edin Santon could be shown exit doors this summer.

Relying on young talents

Mourinho is now not known for promoting youth players, and it hasn’t been his style at the clubs he had managed before. However, at Roma, the situation may change if he feels limited with the options. Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gonzalo Villar are highly talented young players, and Mourinho should keep an eye on them.