Jose Mourinho clarifies stance on Premier League return after Everton links and statement

Jose Mourinho has clarified his stance on a return to the Premier League. The Portuguese coach suggested he would be open to taking a job with a team lower down in the English top flight last week amid links with Everton.

Mourinho is regarded as one of the finest managers of his generation after enjoying success with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma. He is currently in charge of Fenerbahce in Turkey.

Speaking after his team drew 1-1 with United in the Europa League last week, Mourinho gave an insight into his potential future plans.

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"I think the best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce I go to a club that doesn't play UEFA competitions," he said.

"So you find a club in England from the bottom of the table, needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. And I don't want to say any more about it."

However, in an interview with Sky Sports that aired on Tuesday, Mourinho seemed less open to taking on a team further down in the standings.

"Even though the Premier League is the best competition in the world, I am never going there to manage a club in the relegation zone," he said. "I will never go to manage one of those teams."

Mourinho's links to Everton prompted Fenerbahce to release a statement earlier in the season, making it clear the veteran coach would not be leaving the club.

The Friedkin Group, who are set to complete a takeover of Everton, are the current owners of Roma and appointed Mourinho at the Stadio Olimpico. The 'Special One' won the Conference League and reached the Europa League final before he was axed last season.