{"id":15011,"date":"2026-04-22T10:03:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/?p=15011"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:03:28","slug":"exclusive-interview-with-pedro-mendes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/exclusive-interview-with-pedro-mendes","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive interview with Pedro Mendes: Messi and Ronaldo are on a different planet"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Speaking exclusively with Thunderpick<\/strong>, former Rangers, Spurs and Portugal star Pedro Mendes has given his thoughts on the Premier League, Premiership, World Cup and more. Mendes, who also played for Sporting, Porto and Portsmouth among others, has given his thoughts on Gennaro Gattuso at Ibrox and Roberto Martinez at Celtic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The former midfielder has also discussed Ousmane Diomande to Man Utd, Bernardo Silva to Wrexham and comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What have you made of the Scottish Premiership title race this season?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I think the key games will be Hearts and Celtic away for Rangers. Rangers just need a result in both of those. I think the three teams won’t lose points in the last game before the split. So Rangers need to put themselves in a position that they won’t need to pray for a result in the last game between Celtic and Hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the both away games at Hearts and Celtic could be very, very decisive for the title. If Rangers win those, they will lift the trophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Rangers have the edge in the title race?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I think the Rangers players just started to play and enjoy themselves, and of course, Danny Rohl came in and sometimes it takes time to settle in and put his own ideas across. But the past two or three months have been fantastic.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you look at their form and the way they’re playing, their confidence is one thing they have confidence that, I think, other teams lack. So they can benefit from that.\u00a0I think Hearts have a lot of pressure on their shoulders and might not be able to cope. Of course, they have been outsiders even when leading, so whatever they achieve will be good for them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the dream is just around the corner for Hearts, so they can’t avoid thinking about it, and that brings pressure. It will be very tight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just how incredible a job has Danny Rohl done at Rangers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Yeah, not only to be 13 points behind, but the team’s confidence, morale, and the way they were playing, there was so much work to do. Danny Rohl is doing a terrific job. He’s a young manager, and there were a lot of doubts when Rangers signed him.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sure, the fans would have preferred someone with a bigger name, with more experience. But he is doing a terrific job. He’s just put everything together, and the team now exudes confidence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think, when the pressure is really on and there’s no room for failure, having that confidence and morale can be a key aspect to winning the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Gennaro Gattuso manage Rangers one day?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Gennaro Gattuso would be a perfect manager for Rangers one day. He has that passion, he has that temper that Rangers fans love. He’s such a loved person at Ibrox.\u00a0I can’t see why it won’t happen, in the future, because for sure he would love the job. When you think of the way Gattuso used to play and the passion he put into his game, it was all about Rangers and the Rangers fans loved it.\u00a0So I can’t see why it won’t happen in the future. It would be great to see Gattuso in the dugout at Ibrox for Rangers. I\u2019d love to see it in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Arsenal in danger of ending the season with no trophies?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Arsenal were so far ahead of everyone, in England and in Europe. They are out of two, but the Premier League and Champions League are the two biggest ones, and I think they’re completely focused on that and it cost them in the cups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Champions League, I really think they have a shot. Sporting played well but they got past them. As for the Premier League, everything is open if City win against Arsenal and their game in hand, that would be really hard to take for Arsenal if they didn\u2019t win that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Champions League games midweek, the team needs to shuffle the team a little bit. They need to rest some players, otherwise, it will be very, very physically and emotionally exhausting for all the players for this last month, month and a half.\u00a0So, let’s see. They are in a good position to fight for both of the titles they still have. But the Champions League could be less important than the Premier League for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Arsenal don\u2019t win either, the board will have a decision to make over Arteta. They have come close for four years and this year is the big bet. They have invested a lot and Arteta\u2019s future will be in the hands of the board if they don\u2019t get over the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Mikel Arteta one day manage Rangers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal, for sure he’ll wait or look for a big European club for his next job. After four or five years at Arsenal, for sure he will be willing to join a top club in Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But again, Rangers are lucky to have ex-players doing great jobs around Europe. You can see so many former players doing well and in the future, Arteta has a connection with the club, so why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Pep Guardiola win the title and go out on a high?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>If Manchester City win the Premier League, it would actually be a massive achievement because they were so many points behind. If Pep Guardiola clinches it, if he wins it, and if he decides to leave, I think he’ll go out through the main entrance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We used to say in Portugal, ‘get out from the main door,’<\/em> you know, because he did a terrific job at Man City, and finishing with the Premier League title, I think, will be the cherry on the cake for him. It could make him decide to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Xabi Alonso end up at Arsenal over Liverpool?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Xabi Alonso\u2019s name will be on the table for Liverpool, but I think he could be the perfect next manager for Arsenal. Of course, there’s his past with Liverpool, but Arsenal would surely be a club that would attract him a lot because of all the players they have, the squad they have, and the way Xabi Alonso plays.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I think it would be a perfect fit. Liverpool being his old club may factor into his decision. If you put Arsenal and Liverpool on the table, maybe looking at Anfield would sway him. But if Liverpool don\u2019t make a chance, I could see him at Arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Steven Gerrard beat Xabi Alonso to the Liverpool job?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I honestly can see a big shuffle happening this summer for Premier League clubs. If, for example, Arne Slot leaves Liverpool, I honestly see the choice being between Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, to be fair.\u00a0Xabi Alonso will likely be the first choice, but if he decides not to go, Gerrard will be talked about. He did a great job at Rangers and he\u2019d want to repeat that, nothing would mean more to him than winning the title with Liverpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where could Cesc Fabregas end up in the Premier League?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Cesc Fabregas is doing terrific. He’s doing a fantastic job at Como. They are fourth in the table. If you look at Como, they were in Serie B a short period ago, and now he’s fighting for a Champions League spot.\u00a0He is also overseeing an attractive way to see football, and he has a positive way to think about the game. So again, it will be interesting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be three or four names for three clubs, I think they’ll shuffle around, and at the end of the season I think he\u2019ll end up at one of them in the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where could Marco Silva end up next season?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I love Marco Silva. I would love to see him at Spurs. I think he\u2019d be perfect there. I love the way Marco is as a person, and the way he manages his teams. He’s doing a terrific job at Fulham.\u00a0There will be some options for him, 100%, but I would love to see him at Spurs. Next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you liked to have seen Harry Redknapp go back to Spurs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Would I have picked Harry Redknapp over Roberto Di Zerbi? They are two completely different personalities and different managers. I understand why Harry Redknapp came into the equation because this is a fight that Spurs are not normally involved in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spurs players are not used to this kind of dogfight for relegation and survival. One thing I know that Harry would\u2019ve brought togetherness to the team, the dressing room, and unity between the players. His charisma, his team talks, and the way he knows the English game are better than anyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could perfectly understand why, because at this moment I think the Spurs dressing room must be as united as ever. Di Zerbi has to join all the pieces and make them strong from the off because Spurs not winning one league game this year. It’s unbelievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you need more than a manager; you need a man inside that dressing room that pulls the strings and brings the passion, friendship, and unity between all the players, the staff, and everyone around the club. I think Harry would\u2019ve been the man for that.\u00a0Of course, Di Zerbi has different ideas, he is very temperamental and very passionate about the game as well. I really hope they start picking up results because their form has been horrendous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Di Zerbi, you don’t want the clash between managers and players. You need everyone together. If he clashes with players like he has done in the past, it could mean Spurs go down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where could we see Robbie Keane managing next season?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Robbie Keane\u2019s next job? He is doing great at Ferencvaros. And he would love, for sure, to go to Spurs or to Celtic next season.\u00a0 I think Celtic would be a dream job for him. So I can see that happening, I think he\u2019d be a great choice. He’s a great guy, by the way, he deserves all the luck in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How big a shock would it be to see Spurs relegated?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Spurs going down would be a huge shock for everyone. Even for Arsenal fans, for them it will be a joy, but they wouldn\u2019t have seen this coming. I think all over England it will be a shock to see a team like Spurs, a massive club, a massive stadium, massive fans, great squad, great players, in the Championship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You always want Spurs to compete for European spots, not in a relegation battle. Unfortunately, it’s where they are at the moment, so they really need to pick it up.\u00a0When you get to the final stages, you have to face reality. I hope the players are ready for a fight because it\u2019s going to be close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could we see Roberto Martinez managing Celtic next season?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I won’t be surprised to see Roberto Martinez managing Celtic next season because there’s a lot of talk about it here in Portugal. There are already some names in the press that would love the job, like Jorge Jesus, for example. There have also been some links with Jose Mourinho, if he leaves Benfica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, I really hope Portugal has a great tournament, a great World Cup. If we have a great World Cup, Martinez will leave of his own accord. He’ll have the Nations League and it will be two fantastic tournaments for him and for Portugal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think he’s still under contract. So negotiations must be carried out. But there’s a lot of talk here also about him going to Celtic, with some news already in the press. It’s interesting to see because Roberto Amorim is also talked about for Benfica and that means Jose Mourinho is leaving, so a lot of things could change on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Goncalo Ramos be a success at Chelsea?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Goncalo Ramos to Chelsea? He is a good player, but he’s not playing as much as he wanted. I think the World Cup will be important for him because it will be him and Cristiano Ronaldo who will play up front. I think the World Cup will be important. He’s interesting, he’s a very mobile striker with good finishing, so I can see why he wants to leave, as he’s not playing as much as he wanted. Chelsea could be a great fit for him as well. I like him as a player, so it could be a good move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Ousmane Diomande replace Harry Maguire at Man Utd?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Ousmane Diomande is the typical Premier League central defender, strong, tall, aggressive, and good in the air. I can see him moving to the Premier League.\u00a0I’m 100% sure he will do great because he ticks all the boxes for a top central defender in the Premier League. He’s only 22, so it could be massive for any club that signs him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Man Utd to replace Maguire? It makes a lot of sense. I don’t think only Manchester United will come for him, to be fair. I think there will be several clubs interested because, like I said, he ticks all the boxes to be a top Premier League central defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Geny Catamo be a summer signing in the Premier League?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Geny Catamo is that typical very fast winger, great technique, likes to run at defenders. He gave Arsenal a lot of problems. I like him, but again, he’s still really young. So I think this summer could be interesting, quite a few players from Portugal may actually go to the Premier League because they tick the boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catamo to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool? Let’s see who the manager will be. He does play with his left foot on the right wing, he has similarities to Salah, he could be a big success there but he\u2019s very young. We know Salah is leaving though, so don\u2019t be surprised if Catamo is the player to replace him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Maxi Araujo be the subject of big summer bids?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Maxi Araujo is a top, top player. I like him a lot. Aggressive, fast, up and down the channel for the full 90 minutes, has goals, never turns away from a fight, a typical South American player.\u00a0A lot of teams are after him, so I can see him going. I think he’ll be one of the players with more teams interested in him from Sporting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’d love to see him at Spurs. When he was at Toluca and the national team he plays more as a left-winger, but at Sporting, he plays left-back and he is just impressive. I like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will Porto fancy their chances against Nottingham Forest?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Porto had a setback against Famalicao. But Porto this year has a very balanced team, very strong physically with flair and technique up front.\u00a0I fancy Porto to go through against Nottingham Forest. Of course, away games for Portuguese teams in England are always a struggle with the atmosphere, the style of play. But I think Porto will go through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would Porto and Braga have a good chance of beating Aston Villa?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Aston Villa would prefer Braga over Porto. But Braga are playing really well at the moment and have good players. They invested a lot in the team this season, signing expensive players, which they don’t usually do.\u00a0They have a strong squad with very good players. But for sure, Villa would fancy Braga more than Porto. Porto, in my point of view, is a stronger team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Bruno Fernandes be considered an all-time Man Utd great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Normally people say for you to become an all-time legend, you need to win something major with your club. But I don’t see it that way with Bruno Fernandes. I think Bruno, if he stays at Manchester United for many more years, I don’t think he needs to win a title to become a Manchester United legend because in the darkest days of the club, he was there, and he performed, and he took the team on his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He has always been present and has never shied away from a fight. I think he’s right up there among the legends of Manchester United. He is terrific for them.\u00a0I don’t think he needs to win the Premier League or Champions League to be a legend there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would Bruno Fernandes want to retire as a Man Utd player?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>That’s a difficult one, that’s a question only Bruno can answer. But from my point of view, I would say if there was a chance for him to retire at Manchester United, he will do so. I’m 100% sure that he would love to win something major at Manchester United, either the Premier League or Champions League. I think he has that desire as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it will be a frustration for him after all these years, all the things he has done for the club not to have done that. That is something that he will think about. If a huge bid comes in from Saudi, it would be hard to turn down, but it would also be very hard to leave Manchester United, he might have some sleepless nights to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Bruno Fernandes as big a star in the Premier League as Mohamed Salah?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Of course, age comes for all players, not just Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, everyone gets older. You see big names and big players retiring every single year. Not only for Liverpool and Manchester United,\u00a0I think for the Premier League, it’ll be a big loss to lose those types of players. Salah is leaving, and let’s see about Bruno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How proud will Cristiano Ronaldo be to win the title in Saudi?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Cristiano Ronaldo will be proud to win the title in Saudi. It was something he bet on, to win another title in another country. He was the one that chose Saudi. He was the one that put Saudi on the football map and everyone’s talking about it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For him, just chasing the title for these past years, there were some talks in the past that he was not happy because Al-Nassr apparently didn’t spend as much as the others.\u00a0So for him to win the title this year, I think he will party a lot. It’s something that he will really want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Cristiano Ronaldo have the same impact Lionel Messi had in MLS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>What Cristiano Ronaldo has shown us for the past 15-20 years is that everywhere he goes, he’s a machine on and off the pitch. His performances and the media coverage that follows has transformed leagues.\u00a0The same thing will happen if he leaves Saudi for a new league, Saudi football would leave the global conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If he joined MLS, MLS would be on the map even more, just like Lionel Messi has done. Ronaldo would do exactly the same, I have no doubts about that.\u00a0He decided to go to Saudi, but wherever he goes, he will bring goals and eyes with him. Everyone will be talking about that league. The MLS would have media coverage like never before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Portugal among the World Cup favourites?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Portugal to win their first World Cup? They have a chance. Portugal has a top squad with top players, no doubt about that. Of course, there are other strong teams out there, but if you look at the usual contenders like Brazil and Argentina, they don’t seem as strong as normal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, I think the World Cup could come to a European national team. I can see it being between England, France, Portugal, and Spain. I think Portugal is right up there with those teams. The chance is definitely there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should Cristiano Ronaldo be a starter at the World Cup?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>I think Cristiano Ronaldo should start every game unless the manager decides to rest him for a few minutes. On the pitch, whether he does a lot or not, he’s always a reason of concern for the opponent.\u00a0They always worry, “Where is Ronaldo? Where is Ronaldo?” and they know if he has a chance he will put the ball in the net. I think he should start.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having said that, the World Cup is a very physically demanding tournament, so I don’t expect him to play the full 90 minutes every single game. That’s why I think Gon\u00e7alo Ramos will be important as well. Very important for Portugal, Goncalo.\u00a0But I think it will be decided in the last game, against Colombia. I think we will want Ronaldo for the 90 minutes in that game. So for the other two games, I think between him and Goncalo, they could split the minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as a Portuguese fan, a Portuguese person, of course I want to see Ronaldo on the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Rafael Leao be a big success in the Premier League?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Rafael Leao is the type of player who can do fantastic things and then he vanishes from the game for 15-20 minutes, and then comes back again and does amazing things again.\u00a0In the Premier League? He has the strength, the power, the speed, and the technique. If you look at him, he could fit in almost all the teams in the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in the Premier League, it’s difficult for a player to switch off for 15-20 minutes, you need to be on all the time because the intensity and the pace of the game doesn\u2019t allow you to switch off.\u00a0The Premier League for him will be a big step because he will need to adapt and adjust. But at his best he would get into any side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year he is linked, but it never happens, so let’s see if this is the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where could you see Bernardo Silva next?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>There are some talks here that Benfica would love Bernardo Silva to come back. I have no idea if that would be the case or not. But I think the way he plays, he should go to Barcelona. I think Barcelona is the team that would fit perfectly. So let’s see. For all the teams that are out there, he will have a choice. He earned the right to choose the team he wants to play.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think he earned that, for the fantastic player he’s been. I think Barcelona will suit him perfectly. Bernardo at Wrexham? I think it\u2019s a matter of time before they make a really big signing, I could see it happening this summer. The fans and owners are behind the club and it\u2019s easy to see the passion there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream of the Premier League is just around the corner. They are so close.. It’ll be a breath of fresh air in the Premier League. A team like Wrexham owned by Hollywood stars in the Premier League I think will be interesting to see. I can\u2019t see Bernardo going there, but he\u2019d of course be a huge star for them if he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Man Utd compete for the signing of Vitinha?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Man Utd links to Vitinha? I don’t know why he would leave PSG<\/a> at this moment. He has such a key role, he’s such a massive player for them, playing for a great team, playing for the title every year, and playing for the Champions League every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can’t see why he would leave. I think he will stay there for some time. Manchester United would be waiting their time there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Sporting stun Arsenal in the second-leg?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Sporting will have hope that they can beat Arsenal, but they must be tactically perfect. They forced Arsenal to play out wide knowing that their strength is down the middle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Sporting to have a chance at the Emirates, it will be a massive task. They have no doubts about that. It has to be tactically perfect. If their players are fit and Hidemasa Morita is in the midfield, that would be huge for Sporting. Then they can explore the counter-attack with Geny Catamo and Maxi Araujo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It must be a perfect night for Sporting. They have won at the Emirates in the past, let\u2019s see if they can do it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Lamine Yamal on the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>You can\u2019t say that Lamine Yamal is on the same level as Cristinao Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. It\u2019s too early to say that. I understand he’s a teammate of Joao Cancelo who said that, and a fantastic player. 100% he’ll be best in the world. I don’t have doubts about that if he continues like this.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I think Ronaldo and Messi are on different planets. What they have already achieved and what they keep doing and the level of performance with their age. I think Ronaldo and Messi are on a different planet at the moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where will Jose Mourinho be managing next season?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Jose Mourinho\u2019s next job? The title is now almost impossible. Even the second spot looks too much for Benfica. But he has said he would like to continue at Benfica. Let’s see what happens. The position Benfica finishes in at the end of the season could be important for both Benfica’s decision and his decision, as they still have a Benfica vs Sporting game to play, so there are still points on the table to fight for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final league position may influence the decision by the club and by Jose Mourinho as well. But in the press conference after the game, he did say he would like to continue. It’s crazy when you look at it, they have only lost one game and they’re third in the table, and almost impossible to win the title. Porto and Sporting are really consistent this year, strong teams, just winning, winning, winning. It’s a funny one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would Portuguese fans want Jose Mourinho as the manager?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Jose Mourinho as the next Portugal boss? Some fans are in favour and others are not. I think Jos\u00e9 Mourinho has a dream to become a national team manager at some point. From his personal point of view, I think he could see that happen if Roberto Martinez leaves. From his point of view, maybe this would be the right time because he has a fantastic bunch of players to work with and real chances to fight for trophies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He could start working towards the next European Championship and the Nations League. So, I think this could be the perfect time for him to join the national team. Because the next manager, if it’s not him, will be there for at least two to four years. Then maybe it will be too late for him. So, let’s see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would Cristiano Ronaldo continue under Jose Mourinho with Portugal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Would Cristiano Ronaldo carry on for Portugal if Jose Mourinho got the job? I think it’s up to Cristiano if he wants to carry on. I think he has the power to decide if he wants to keep playing for the national team or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the relationship between a manager and a player in the national team is completely different to the relationship between a manager and a player at a club. It’s not that daily work and the tensions are every week, week in, week out games. So, let’s see. It’s still a little bit early. But they go along well, you know, they have a good relationship. So I can’t see any issue if Mourinho joins the national team. I can’t see any issue with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you picture Jose Mourinho as Celtic manager?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJose Mourinho at Celtic? I could see the press conferences being full of reporters because it would be incredible to see Mourinho facing the Scottish media, the Scottish press and the Scottish fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it’s difficult to imagine, though, I can’t see Mourinho there. I really think he wants to stay at Benfica, but if the national team job comes free, I think he will try. He will apply for that. I think it’s time for him to manage Portugal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could Cristiano Ronaldo go and end his career at Sporting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>For the Sporting fans, they would love it if Cristiano Ronaldo came back. They will love him to come. And financially, I don’t think it will be an issue for Ronaldo at this stage. It’s just a matter of if he wants to come.\u00a0I’m sure the Sporting board would receive him with open arms if he decided to come to Sporting for one year to finish his career there. I don’t think the financial aspect will be a problem. I don’t think so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If he scored his thousandth goal at Sporting, he could retire the next day. I could see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Portsmouth stay up in the Championship given their form?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>It’s really tight down there and it would be a huge shame if Portsmouth go down with all the struggles they\u2019ve had and what they have achieved since then, coming to the Championship again.\u00a0I just love the club, I love the fans, I love the stadium, I love everything at Portsmouth. So I really hope they can stay in the Championship. It’s just going to be so close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Southampton flying, it’s heartbreaking for the fans. It’s the same as Spurs v Arsenal. When you have that rivalry between the clubs and one is doing so well and our club is not doing so great, it’s always a headache. The next day when you go to work and you need to take the jokes from your friends that support the other team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I think they just need to focus on themselves and be concerned about themselves, just focus on the games left and stay in the Championship. It\u2019s in their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How pleased are you for Harry Redknapp\u2019s nephew, Frank Lampard?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Frank Lampard had some not-so-good spells at a few clubs, but he looks happy now. Sometimes you need to find the right club and the right place to rebuild.\u00a0He started young and was already at some very good clubs, and he struggled a little bit. Sometimes you need to take a step down and start over again, and I think he’s doing it, and he’s doing it great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m very happy for him, maybe he could go on to have a long and successful career like his uncle Harry Redknapp, starting with winning the title with Coventry City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Wrexham’s promotion to the Premier League a matter of time?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Wrexham\u2019s owners will be dreaming of the Premier League and next year they will be right up there. They have put the team on the map but this season looks like a stretch too far. Everyone is talking about Wrexham and the things they’ve done and what they’ve achieved. Even if they achieve the play-offs, I think it would be a massive achievement for them. But if they don’t do it this year, 100% they will try again next year and you can\u2019t rule them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your prediction for the Champions League?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pedro Mendes: <\/em>Bayern Munich are looking strong now, but I think it will be a PSG vs Arsenal final and Arsenal will come up short. PSG have four Portuguese players in\u00a0 Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos, and Joao Neves. Wherever Portuguese players are, they always have a chance to win and I\u2019ll be cheering them on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Speaking exclusively with Thunderpick, former Rangers, Spurs and Portugal star Pedro Mendes has given his thoughts on the Premier League, Premiership, World Cup and more. Mendes, who also played for Sporting, Porto and Portsmouth among others, has given his thoughts on Gennaro Gattuso at Ibrox and Roberto Martinez at Celtic. The former midfielder has also […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[112,53,96,91,54,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews","category-news","category-sports","category-teams","category-platform","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15011"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15014,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15011\/revisions\/15014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}