Former Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto opened up about his working relationship with Jose Mourinho and the apparent interest of Newcastle United.
The 39-year-old Portuguese director is currently in the job market after leaving his post at the Giallorossi last month, ending a three-year spell in the Italian capital. He worked to bring some sustainability to the club after restrictions imposed by their Financial Fair Play settlement with UEFA.
Tiago Pinto, who was a close ally of Mourinho during his time in charge of Roma, divided opinion amongst Giallorossi fans, with some appreciating his ability to bring in low-cost reinforcements and others frustrated with his more risky deals, like the loan move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Renato Sanches.
Speaking to i News, Tiago Pinto first discussed his decision to leave Roma at the end of the January transfer window.
“When I left Roma I thought a lot about it and I just felt it was the right time, the end of a cycle. But when I made my decision everyone close to me said: ‘Knowing you like we do, I doubt you will be at peace after two weeks’. I think they were probably right.”
He was asked about the reported interest from Newcastle United, who are looking for a director of football.
“If a big club like Newcastle asks to speak to you, of course you’re interested. I know the club’s story very well because Sir Bobby Robson was a big personality in Portugal and we associated him with Newcastle. I followed the club because of that passion.
“The work the new ownership has done has been very impressive, with a clever strategy they’ve come from a relegation fight to the Champions League so there’s huge potential at Newcastle. I don’t know if the interest is true or not but who would say no to a project like that?”
Finally, Tiago Pinto discussed his relationship with Mourinho, who took Roma to two European finals before being dismissed back in January.
“Don’t get me wrong, when you work with a man with such a huge profile, it’s demanding. And he is demanding because he has achieved so much and has high standards. Don’t forget that I’m Portuguese and I started to work with him when I was 36.
“For a young sporting director to work normally with Mourinho, it’s not possible. I learned a lot from him. He’s one of the most important managers in the history of football.
“Football is like everything, you have cycles. Sometimes you agree, sometimes you disagree but no-one can minimise the great impact he had at Roma.”