On-loan Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia said he had been told he would enjoy working with jose mourinho as he completes his first season with Nice, citing a preference for managers and projects that fit his development. Gouveia spoke on the Final Cut podcast about coaches who influenced him and the impact of teammates in recent matches. At the same time, Mauricio Pochettino has surfaced on Real Madrid’s shortlist as the club evaluates coaching options ahead of next season.
Gouveia: coaching influences and a Jose Mourinho nod
Tiago Gouveia, the on-loan Benfica winger now at Nice, said plainly: “I have been told I would enjoy working with him. ” He made the remark while discussing the coaches who shaped his outlook and career choices. Gouveia named Paulo Fonseca and Roberto De Zerbi as references and praised Renato Paiva, António Oliveira and Nélson Veríssimo for their roles in his development. “Being coached by Renato Paiva gave me the spark to one day become a coach, ” Gouveia added.
Gouveia reflected on a recent match moment at the Parc des Princes, noting the decisive impact of a former Benfica team-mate: “When I saw Gonçalo come on, I immediately thought he would find a way to score. ” That substitute scored at 90+4 in a 1-0 defeat. This season Gouveia has made 26 appearances for Nice: 14 in Ligue 1, seven in the Europa League and two in the Coupe de France, totaling 934 minutes and two goals, both scored in European competition.
Real Madrid shortlist chatter and Mauricio Pochettino’s response
Real Madrid have Mauricio Pochettino on the shortlist of candidates to replace Álvaro Arbeloa next season, the club evaluating options as it prepares for a summer of structural changes. Florentino Pérez is reported as holding Pochettino in high regard as the club scans the market for a manager to lead a new sporting project. Arbeloa’s position has been described as fragile, and the club is exploring multiple pathways, including offering alternative roles to existing staff.
Mauricio Pochettino, the U. S. men’s national team manager whose contract runs through this summer’s World Cup, addressed links to Madrid with measured language: “There are many rumors, ” he said, adding, “I always maintain a very good relationship with almost all clubs, not just with Madrid. ” Pochettino’s recent managerial record includes time at Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and he has past experience coaching high-profile players.
Immediate reactions from the figures involved
Tiago Gouveia, on-loan Benfica winger at Nice, said: “I have been told I would enjoy working with him. ” He explained his value for managers he can collaborate with and singled out coaches who influenced him. Mauricio Pochettino, U. S. men’s national team manager, said: “There are many rumors, ” and stressed his broad relationships across clubs when questioned about links to Real Madrid.
Quick context
Gouveia is completing his first season outside Portugal with Nice and has drawn attention for both his minutes and continental goals. Real Madrid has begun to scout the coaching market ahead of a summer in which major changes at the club are expected.
What’s next
Expect further movement in both narratives: Gouveia has signaled an eye toward future coaching influences and a possible return to Benfica, while Real Madrid will continue evaluating managerial candidates as it decides Álvaro Arbeloa’s long-term role and whether to pursue Mauricio Pochettino. The coming weeks should clarify whether the coaching chatter solidifies into offers or contract decisions that reshape both player and managerial paths — and jose mourinho’s name will likely remain a reference point in conversations about coaching fit. jose mourinho
