Jose Mourinho has hinted at a potential return to Chelsea in a frank interview where he admitted he needed to “reformulate” and “adapt”, as the Blues face losing current manager Maurizio Sarri and a two-window transfer ban.
Mourinho, who coached at Stamford Bridge twice between 2004-07 and 2013-15, has won three Premier League titles, three League Cup and one FA Cups in a career that sees him largely referred to as the club’s greatest manager.
However the 56-year-old left both appointments in controversial circumstances, being fired by owner Roman Abramovich over disagreements with the club’s direction.
It appears now the Portugese’s time at Manchester United may have forced him to change his tact, admitting he wants to go where he can be happy rather than only chasing success.
Mourinho had been linked with returns to former clubs Real Madrid and Inter Milan in recent weeks, as well as flirting with managing in France, and he insists he will not be driven only with the allure of success.
With Chelsea facing a post-Eden Hazard existence and the threat of being unable to make transfers for two windows, Mourinho’s familiarity with the club could prove significant.