José Mourinho, tough approach for a lost Chelsea

With Mauricio Pochettino ousted, Chelsea needs a thorough reconstruction. In recent years, after overcoming the ‘slump’ of not being able to sign players for two transfer windows during the 2019/20 season, the ‘Blues’ have squandered an absurd amount of millions of euros. However, beyond the disastrous management, the worst news at Stamford Bridge is that respect for the coach has been completely lost.

Chelsea has gone from competing for titles to squabbling over who takes a penalty kick. And that’s also the responsibility of the Argentine. His players, last April, were involved in an embarrassing scene at Stamford Bridge against Everton (6-0). Madueke and Jackson argued with Palmer, the team’s regular penalty taker, to take a penalty kick with the score at 5-0. Afterwards, Pochettino expressed his disbelief in a press conference.

To regain respect and direction, Chelsea could turn to José Mourinho, according to bookmakers. An experienced profile, with an iron fist, and who knows the club very well. Chelsea ‘salvaged’ a ridiculous season by clinching a spot in the Conference League (sixth place) with 63 points in 38 matches. Very poor results for a team that should aspire to much more, and cannot afford another similar season.

The context favors Mourinho

Beyond improving the football proposal, an evident need in London, Chelsea needs the entire dressing room to trust and respect its coach. Although several British media outlets point out that Kieran McKenna, coach of the attractive Ipswich Town, is the frontrunner to take over the bench at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho’s candidacy, without a team after leaving Roma, has gained a lot of weight due to the context of the ‘Blue’ team.

Whether he’ll be more or less popular, no one can dispute that José Mourinho is one of the most special coaches in the history of football, with an overwhelming personality. Voted best coach in the world four times with four different teams, Porto (2004), Chelsea (2004), Inter Milan (2009), and Real Madrid (2011), the Portuguese, besides winning many domestic trophies in England, Italy, Spain, or Portugal, has lifted two Champions Leagues (Porto in 2003 and Inter Milan in 2010), two Europa Leagues (Porto 2003 and Manchester United 2017), and a Conference League (Roma 2022).

Legend at Chelsea

A brilliant career characterized by his football; pragmatic and competitive, and his character; strong, authoritative, and with no problems in commanding respect. At Chelsea, he is well-known after two spells (2004-2007 and 2013-2015) during which he won the Premier League three times (2004-05, 2005-06, and 2014-15), an FA Cup (2006-07), three Carabao Cups (2004-05, 2006-07, and 2014-15), and a Community Shield (2005-06).

On the surface, ‘The Special One’s’ figure doesn’t fit the profile of the coach sought at Stamford Bridge: a young coach with potential aiming to build a ‘Xabi Alonso-style’ project, as they explain in England. In this regard, the Portuguese shouldn’t even be on Todd Boehly’s list. However, bookmakers consider him a more than real option to take over one of the hottest benches in Europe. Will he return home to restore order?