Scotland's latest group of aspiring coaches received a masterclass from one of the world's most successful managers last week, as Jose Mourinho returned to the Scottish FA Coach Education department to deliver a session for the UEFA Pro-Licence group.

The Fenerbahce manager, who has won countless major honours - including the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A titles - during a storied career, joined for a remote Q&A session with the cohort as they prepare to complete their two-year course next month. 

Mourinho - who completed his own B-Licence with the Scottish FA at Largs when he was a young coach - spent time answering questions from the candidates on subjects including his early management career, setting of objectives, training methodology,  the move from coaching to management and working under different structures. 

He also gave candidates an in-depth tactical breakdown of his Inter Milan side's famous victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final in 2010. 

Mourinho is the latest high-profile coach to speak on the course, with Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou and Everton manager David Moyes also addressing this current Pro-Licence group earlier in their programme.

Speaking afterwards about his time in Scotland and his session with the candidates, Mourinho said: "It was fantastic group of people on my course and the thing that was important for me, coming from a Portuguese university, was the fact that so much of it was practical and on the pitch.

"Being on the pitch with people who were at the top of the game like Andy Roxburgh, Craig Brown and Archie Knox was a fantastic experience, from a human point of view as well as a football one.

"It was innovative as well - there was a lot of focus on small-sided games and everything was in tight spaces. I was coaching Under-18s in Portugal at the time and it was really important for me to give me a good base of work.

"If I gave the coaches today a little bit then I am so happy because I was a young coach and every time I had the opportunity to be with somebody who had a lifetime of experiences at the high level, I was always very curious to learn things.

"I use the phrase 'completing the puzzle' - I think that's what every coach has to do until the end of their career. I'm still trying to complete the puzzle and I haven't yet. For these young coaches there is still lots of the puzzle to complete and if I can help with my experiences then I'm happy to do so. 

"I want to wish the candidates all the best. I hope they have enjoyed their course as much as I did my own."

The experienced manager was also full of praise for Scottish culture as a whole, as well as Scotland National Team Head Coach Steve Clarke, and midfielder Scott McTominay. He added: "Even around 30 years later I still feel that connection because it was an important part of my formation.

"When I remember Scotland growing up, I remember the Scotland I loved as a fan. I was following World Cups and I remember that generations of the likes of Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen.

"Then later on, I played Celtic in the UEFA Cup Final and that was the match that put my heart-rate at the highest it had ever been because of the intensity, the spirit, the determination of that team. So hard, so difficult to play against. I think it's part of the Scottish culture. 

"And more recently, when I think of Scotland, I think of my boy, Scott McTominay. For me he's one of the best midfielders in Europe. That kid is fantastic and I'm so proud of his career because I got him when he was 18 when nobody at Manchester United believed he could be the player he is.

"And Steve Clarke, of course, was a fantastic assistant when I was in my first period at Chelsea.

"I'm 100% Portuguese but if I had to give one per cent to another country, I would be 99% Portuguese and give 1% to Scotland because I love the culture and I love the country."

Among the Pro-Licence group was former Scotland midfielder and current Glasgow City assistant manager Leanne Crichton, who said: "The messages have been consistent from all the guest speakers about doing it your way and not trying to be something you’re not. It was honest and refreshing to hear him speak about being that unknown manager when he started out.

"He was really honest about his different sides and different formations he's played. It was a very unique opportunity that he was just speaking to us as such a small group and he was very humorous and engaging. 

"Even though he has so many memories and accolades, he's still so focused on what he is doing now and what the next game is and that was hugely motivating."

Also taking in the session was former Ayr United and Gretna striker James Grady, who led his Scotland Men's Under-15 side to victory over Spain last week. He added: "He was very honest and one of the things I took from him is clarity of message. He was very strong on being clear in your objectives and making sure that you know what's being asked of you, and having clarity in what you're saying to the players so they know exactly what you're asking of them.

"He was also strong on getting the best expertise around you. You can't do it on your own, you need those around you who are perhaps strong in areas you might not be."

Reflecting on the session, Andy Gould, Scottish FA Chief Football Officer said: "This was a brilliant unique opportunity for our cohort to hear from one of the game's most successful managers. 

"Jose has always been enormously generous with his time and we are grateful to him for, once again, returning and delivering such a candid, engaging and thought-provoking session. 

"This group is full of talent - as you can see by the levels some are already working at - and as they near their graduation, we're looking forward to seeing them take their next steps on their football journey over the next few months and years."

For anyone looking to take the first or latest step in their coaching journey, information about the latest offering can be found here.