Sports
Mourinho's rejected 2008 Barcelona plan resurfaces ahead of his Camp Nou return
October 25, 2026 at 12:59 PM
José Mourinho's failed 2008 bid to coach Barcelona, detailed in a 27-page flash-drive project, has resurfaced ahead of his latest visit to Camp Nou.
- In spring 2008, Mourinho met Barcelona's then vice president Marc Ingla in Lisbon and handed him a flash drive with a 27-page plan.
- The proposal centred on a 4-3-3 system with ball work in all training sessions, questioned Ronaldinho's future, and favoured keeping Eto'o and Deco.
- After a third-place 2007-08 season and the sacking of Frank Rijkaard, president Joan Laporta chose Pep Guardiola on Johan Cruyff's advice.
- Mourinho, now Real Madrid manager, returns to Camp Nou for the Clásico having won two of 13 previous visits there.