Is Chelsea finally coming out of Mourinho's shadow?

José Mourinho, aka ‘The Special One’, has been the most successful manager in the history of Chelsea Football Club. When Mourinho joined Chelsea in 2004, he had the task of making the club best in England and Europe. After massive changes in the squad along with heavy spending in the transfer market, a team which won games based on a strong defense was built.

LONDON – DECEMBER 06: The Chelsea team line up prior to the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on December 6, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

The football played by Chelsea in 2004 was very direct. They relied on a powerful striker upfront and a midfield consisting of players with good technique and high work rate. The team’s defense was well organised and was one of the best in the league. Mourinho believed that every player in the team should track back and help the defense. Set- pieces were a major strength of the team. Chelsea also formed a reputation of having the most physically strong players in their team. The formation favoured by the team under Mourinho was 4-3-3. Since then, playing in a different formation has not been productive for the club.

The departure of Mourinho did not make any difference to Chelsea’s style of play. Managers like Scolari, Andre Villas-Boas tried very hard to change the style, but they failed to make any impact. The managers after Mourinho who tasted success were successful because they stuck on to the style of play Chelsea learnt in 2004. In 2009, Guus Hiddink stuck with the 4-3-3 formation, leading Chelsea to FA Cup victory. After Hiddink, it was Carlo Ancelotti who started off with the Diamond formation but reverted to 4-3-3 after a string of bad results. This change ensured that Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup double.

Players like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba were crucial to the team under Mourinho. Even the following managers depended heavily on them. Roberto Di Matteo led Chelsea to a surprising Champions League and FA Cup double last year. Like Hiddink and Ancelotti, Matteo relied on the ‘Old Guard’ for results. It was Mourinho’s team, players, formation, tactics and influence which made Chelsea the best in Europe.

With the departure of Drogba and arrival of new players like Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Moses and Oscar, Chelsea finally look like leaving Mourinho’s shadow. The fresh arrivals along with last year’s purchase, Juan Mata, look like becoming the symbols of Chelsea’s new style. Hazard and Marin have added an attacking flair to the team. The movement and link up play between Hazard and Mata has been really delightful to watch. The trickery and skillful ball control of Hazard and Marin reminds the Chelsea fans of the magical days of Gianfranco Zola. Hazard, in particular, has terrorized the opposition’s defense in the past few games. Oscar’s brilliant ability to read the game allows Chelsea to move smoothly and swiftly from defense to attack.Its really good to see a new style of play being so easily embraced by the Chelsea team.

However, one must think of the ‘Old Guard’ at a time when change is taking place. Under Ancelotti, the Diamond formation restricted the free movement of Frank Lampard which resulted in Lampard being unable to take his trademark powering runs into the box. To bring out the best in Frank, the team reverted to 4-3-3. Under Di Matteo, Chelsea is playing with 4-2-3-1 formation which involves Lampard playing as a holding midfielder. Frank is no longer the creative force of the team. This responsibility has been given to younger and more skillful players. Leaving of Drogba has ensured that the responsibility of scoring is now on younger players like Sturridge and Moses. The team is undergoing a change.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: (L-R) Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard of Chelsea lift the FA Cup trophy during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

To actually come out of Mourinho’s shadow, the ‘Old Guard’ has to be slowly phased out. Villas Boas tried it too early and without any replacement for the likes of Drogba and Lampard. However, now is the perfect time. The ‘Old Guard’ has won everything they could. The replacements are ready and their hunger for success is infinite. It is time to allow the ‘New Chelsea’ to be born, which will be free from the influence of Jose Mourinho. It is time for the young players to take over the responsibility of the club from the ‘Old Guard’.

It is time for Chelsea to move into future with a new style and identity.