Chelsea are a long way from the ruthless machine that saw them crowned league champions three times in six seasons between 2005 and 2010. Since then, plenty has changed.
One man helped to transform the club's fortunes and it wasn't solely Roman Abramovich's bankrolled transfer operation that is being similarly mirrored by Todd Boehly and Co. so far. The man to bring the pure arrogance and defining quality of Chelsea in this period was Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager is currently in Italy managing Roma. He has found success there once more but in a role far removed from the intense pressures and scrutiny of English football. Times have changed and Mourinho is a different man but his time at Stamford Bridge may not be done yet.
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The Daily Mail write that he is keen to return to the Premier League once more after a lack of backing from Roma in the transfer market. It is claimed that Mourinho has made the Blues aware of his desire to have a third stint at SW6 in what would be a remarkable turnaround.
Chelsea have continued to back Graham Potter though and are continuing to look at even more options to bolster his options in the transfer market. The former Brighton boss has already seen six new players come in through the door and is still awaiting the conclusion of the latest transfer saga over Moises Caicedo.
Perhaps it is the strong backing from the ownership that has sparked Mourinho's interest once more, throwing it back to a time when he was undoubted king of London and the charming man of the league. Even after two tries at the job both ending in chaotic fashion following success, 'the Special One' is still protective over 'his' club.
"If you ask me do I have somebody that I would love to take over from 'my Chelsea' let's say that, yes, but I have but I close my mouth," he cryptically told Sky Sports.
"The club reached such a level that it doesn't matter who it's with but Chelsea will always be Chelsea. Chelsea will always be big and my house will always be 200 metres away from the stadium so I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success. I'm pretty sure it's going to be like that."
Considering the direction Chelsea are heading in they are unlikely to ever appoint Mourinho again. Just as Potter would never have been truly seen as an option for Abramovich's ownership, the current crop are a long way from aligning with Mourinho's methods. Blues fans might be able to dream on though that one day their prodigal son will return to lead them into a glorious sunset once more.
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