How does a French newspaper get an exclusive on an English side targeting a Portuguese manager before then signing a German one…?
We can’t answer the question easily, and it’s for this reason that we’re severely doubt the legitimacy of Le10Sport’s claim that Jose Mourinho was FSG’s first choice to replace Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager.
The report claims we wanted Mourinho before offering Jurgen Klopp the job, but there were financial reasons we opted for the German. Mourinho’s contract is enormous, and we’d have had to buy it out if we wanted him to take over – which could have cost up to £40m.
Le10Sport reckon that for Liverpool to appoint Mourinho, he’d have had to step down from his position at Chelsea of his own accord, which would have alleviated the buy-out clause.
Of course, it’s all pretty tedious, and probably completely speculative anyway. Klopp got the better of Mourinho last weekend, and has completely enchanted Liverpool fans everywhere. Despite Mourinho’s fantastic CV, we wouldn’t even consider swapping him for Klopp – our classy, likeable and brilliant new boss.