The THIRD time may be a charm for Jose Mourinho after he was linked with the Chelsea job. Having been at the club twice before, Mourinho has reportedly been contacted to take over the reins for a third time once Frank Lampard’s caretaker spell ends in the summer.
Since his last stint at the club, three-time
Premier League winner Mourinho has managed Manchester United, Tottenham and is
now at Roma – though reports suggest this could change in the summer. The
Portuguese boss still holds a fiery temperament but may have evolved in his
liking for players. And should he be picked up by Chelsea again, it begs the
question of how the Blues might line up.
One plausible theory is him using his Roma
connections to overhaul Chelsea’s misfiring attack. Ex-Blues star Tammy Abraham
could make his return to Stamford Bridge, partnering with Paulo Dybala just off
of him. Dybala, 29, would be a surprisingly cost-effective option for Chelsea
in the transfer market, with a reported release clause for foreign clubs of
just £ 10.5 million (€12m).
Despite the presence of Ben Chilwell and Marc
Cucurella, Mourinho may also opt to bring in a fresh face in Leonardo
Spinazzola, owing to the Englishman’s injury issues and Cucurella’s poor form.
A transfer for a new goalie may also be sanctioned in order to upgrade Kepa
Arrizabalaga.
This could see Leeds stopper Illan Meslier brought
in, with Brentford’s David Raya an alternative. Mourinho may even use
most of what he will inherit, mainly if Chelsea’s finances take a hit if
they fail to qualify for Champions League football next season. Mykhailo Mudryk
has already been compared to club legend Eden Hazard, so it is well within the
realm of possibility for Mourinho to use his talents in a similar way.
A Thiago Silva-led back-line would also give
Mourinho the experience he likes in defense, while the likes of Benoit
Badiashile and Enzo Fernandez patrol the areas around him. Mason Mount could be
given a new lease on life in a more structured system, with Mourinho also
convincing Mateo Kovacic to stay.
Christopher Nkunku’s arrival is an open secret,
and his creative ability may make him instrumental as he drifts inside while
Reece James bombs on with Abraham the team’s focal point in attack. However, if
Mourinho wanted to go for a very classical team, it could see him recruit Man
Utd and Roma favorite Chris Smalling with Nemanja Matic joining him for the
FOURTH time.
And what’s to say fan-favorite Hazard can’t make
a triumphant return to Stamford Bridge following his issues at Real Madrid.
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