Seems logical to think this way (specially coming from a Portuguese national). The disclaimer here would be that I’m biased, I know, as a Portuguese national. But, truth to be said, the facts are there, and there are not many Coaches with more success than the Portuguese nationals. Likes of dislikes of the different styles apart, the reality is here. From Jorge Jesus, Carlos Queiroz, Jesualdo Ferreira, Abel Ferreira, Paulo Fonseca, Leonardo Jardim, Paulo Bento, Rui Vitória, Nuno Espírito Santo, José Peseiro, Fernando Santos to the greatest of all, the one and only Special One, José Mourinho. All together, these Coaches hold multiple national and international competitions, both with Clubs and National Teams, that are potentially incomparable with any other nationality.

José Mourinho is, without a doubt, the best and most successful Coach ever existed in Portugal and holds more than the titles to recognize this success. As we spoke here before, José Mourinho is one the biggest responsible people for a revolution in the Training Methodology – Tactical Periodization – that provided a deeper insight in high-level Football and that started in Portugal.

Find it here:
https://tactictalks.org/2023/09/18/tactical-periodization-impact-on-training-methodology/

“There are Club Presidents’ worldwide today that don’t know who they want to hire, but they are certain they want a Portuguese Coach” 

This heavy heritage was created by José Mourinho and his success (along with a temper that the greatest always need to have) are responsible for the majority of critics to the style and the less favorable recent results at his last teams. However, the trophies and the heritage are there and no one can take it away.

The impact of Portuguese nationals is evident, there are many examples to deny. It’s just too obvious. The question now is: Why?
There are many simple core elements that can be taken from this point, and they are all correct. Let’s start with these:

• Tactical Acumen: Portuguese Coaches are known for their tactical sophistication and ability to adapt their strategies to different opponents and playing styles. They often employ innovative tactics and formations that maximize their team’s strengths while exploiting weaknesses in the opposition.
  
• Strategic Thinking: Successful Portuguese Coaches possess excellent strategic thinking, both on and off the field. They develop long-term plans for their teams, including player development, squad building, and overall team philosophy. Their strategic approach allows them to build successful teams capable of sustained success.
  
• Man-Management Skills: Effective communication and strong leadership are essential traits among Portuguese Coaches. They excel in managing relationships with players, staff, and club officials, creating a cohesive team environment focused on achieving common goals. Their ability to motivate and inspire players is crucial to their success.
  
• Adaptability: Portuguese Coaches demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach to Coaching. They are open to new ideas and methodologies, willing to learn from their experiences, and quick to adjust their tactics and strategies based on changing circumstances. This adaptability enables them to thrive in different environments and cultures.
  
• Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is another hallmark of Portuguese Coaches. They leave no stone unturned in their preparation, meticulously analyzing opponents, studying game footage, and identifying areas for improvement. Their thorough approach allows them to gain a competitive edge over their rivals.
  
• Passion and Determination: Passion for the game and unwavering determination are common traits among Portuguese Coaches. They are deeply committed to their craft, investing countless hours in training, scouting, and game planning to achieve success. Their relentless drive motivates both themselves and their teams to reach new heights.
  
• Global Perspective: Many Portuguese Coaches have gained experience coaching in different countries and continents, exposing them to diverse football cultures and perspectives. This global perspective enriches their coaching philosophy and allows them to incorporate the best practices from around the world into their approach.
  

There are many more ways that we could take from here, but let me highlight a few of these, from my perspective, knowing that some will be unfair to not to mention. However, it seems important to stress these ones:
Strategic Thinking is crucial when Coaching and in Portugal there was a famous song that people used to sing when Portugal won the Euro Cup 2016 with the National Team that proudly stated “it doesn’t matter if we play good or bad, we want to take the trophy to Portugal”. It comes with good and bad things, naturally, but the reality is this one.
Adaptability is a good one. Portuguese Coaches can adapt in a quite easy way to what is required, no matter the task or challenge. I must clarify that I include here the work mentality that is installed in the Portuguese Coaches, generally speaking. Don’t misunderstand this, this is the capacity to adapt to the overloaded market that Portuguese Coaches face nowadays, from their Education to the work opportunities, where one needs to stand out from the rest (normally with the results and achievements). Once again, with the good and bad things attached, specially when the results and achievements become greater that Youth Development. 

But let’s keep our focus on the Highest Level Football!

Global Perspective is the biggest, for me. In Portugal, we know we are a relatively small country, we don’t have translated movies or soap operas to help us bridge the always inconveniente gap from a foreign language and we got a few individuals in Football that taught us to dream big, to be bold and fearless.
Names as Luís Figo, José Mourinho or Cristiano Ronaldo (among others) exemplify all the before mentioned and more. Any Portugal national goes to any country in the world and is recognized because of these people, because these individuals showed to the World that we align passion, knowledge and different qualities that made Portugal known. 

It’s not by chance that we have Club’s Presidents worldwide saying that they don’t know who they want to hire, but they are certain they want a Portuguese Coach.

And we must be thankful for that.

Thank you Figo!
Thank you Jose!

Thank you Cristiano!
You’re the greatest ever.