Jose Mourinho’s back and here’s what can we expect!

What many have called one of the worst kept secrets in the history of football is the return of Mourinho to Chelsea F.C. All the hype surrounding his possible, and almost sure, return was unbelievable! Fans and the media just couldn’t get enough of him! And now that he is back, they still can’t!

I believe that Mourinho’s return was destined from much earlier in the season than when people may think it was. We may even have to go as far back as before Benitez was appointed Interim Coach. Yes ‘interim’, a word that has haunted Benitez, and caused him difficulty in the eyes of many fans who never really wanted him at Chelsea to begin with. But his popularity with the fans did increase as they saw how the team’s performance was improving under his leadership.

Benitez was never given the opportunity of becoming the Chelsea coach even after the team achieved all that they had set out to do and more. He did deserve the opportunity, right? Which proves my point that the Chelsea ‘powers that be’ must have already known of Mourinho’s return, maybe even as far back as di Matteo’s exit. This then explains why Benitez was given the title of ‘Interim Coach’ from the start. There was never going to be the chance for him to ever become Chelsea’s coach.

From a fairness point of view, Benitez knew exactly where he stood from the very beginning. But perhaps the word ‘interim’ should never have been used. He was Chelsea’s coach after all, even if it was only temporary. Maybe if circumstances had been different, and if Mourinho had remained at Real Madrid, then Benitez would surely have been offered a permanent position. He may have even accepted it too! Therefore we can only deduce that it was a matter of bad timing for Benitez, and even a bit unfortunate.

Anyone who follows football, from the experts to those who are even the slightest bit interested in the sport, will have heard of the name Mourinho. Surprisingly, they all have very definite opinions about whether he will succeed or fail at Chelsea. There really is no middle ground when it comes to this argument! The world truly is divided into two camps: those who believe he will succeed and those who don’t. It really is as clear-cut as that! Firstly, I think that for someone like Mourinho to cause so much speculation, he must really be brilliant at what he does. And he is! Secondly, perhaps his return has caused fear in his adversaries as they know what he is capable of. Can he really inflict this much fear? Seems so!

Those who believe he will succeed at Chelsea are of the opinion that he has so much support from the fans and players alike that he can do no wrong in their eyes! He is also able to attract big-name signings to the club as he has the reputation for bringing out the best in his players. Just ask Drogba and Lampard, they will tell you what an inspiration he has been for them. Let’s also bear in mind that when he won his first Premiership title with Chelsea, it was their first in 50 years. He then led them to win another title the following year! Also both Manchester United and Manchester City will have new coaches for the upcoming season. The advantage for Mourinho is that for him the Chelsea environment is a ‘known’, but for the other two coaches, it may be a little overwhelming settling into their new clubs.

Those who believe he will not succeed have their reasons too. They are of the opinion that if he was not able to win the Champions League title with Chelsea the first time, what are his chances of guiding them to a win this time around? The Champions League has also become far more competitive than when he was Chelsea’s coach all those years ago. Also, the way in which he exited the club the first time leaves people wondering if it could happen again. Who would then replace him mid-season if it did happen?

So what can we expect from Mourinho’s Chelsea next season?

I believe that we will see a stronger, more motivated, and dynamic Chelsea team. They are bound to get their spark back, and will be hungry for more silverware! We do know that Mourinho has a knack for bringing out the best in his players and, in so doing, will improve the team as a whole. He has said that each player will need to prove themselves, which will lead to healthy competition between them for a place in the team. He also has many players who are new to him and who are eager to learn from him. I’m sure he will also make a few important signings just to ‘iron out’ problems especially in attack and defence. It will definitely be an exciting season for Chelsea and their fans!

And what about Mourinho?

He is calmer and more mature this time around (he has said so himself!). With more experience than the first time he was at Chelsea, we can expect him to be at his very best. Talk about perfect timing! For someone like Mourinho, a few knocks along the way do not make someone of his calibre just fall over. He stands strong, and with his head held high, he carries on in the best way that he knows how…by winning! And the man does know how to win titles! His track record speaks for itself!

So with blue blood in his veins and a happy heart Mourinho is back where he belongs…he is home. He knows that he is loved and supported by both his team and fans alike. And, as one of the best coaches in the world, the name Mourinho can only be synonymous with success! The new Premiership and Champions League seasons will have many new challenges in store, and I am sure that together Mourinho and Chelsea will be ready for all of them! Bring it on!

This Chelsea legend is back to stay… and he means business!