Jose’s second homecoming - What lies ahead for the Special One?

Rumours are flying thick and fast that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has agreed to sign for Chelsea, thereby giving him the opportunity to finish his uncompleted task at the Stamford Bridge. While there can be no doubt over Roman Abramovich’s frantic efforts to lure Mourinho, it remains to be seen whether the ‘Chosen One’ actually takes over at a club which can’t guarantee him the final say on all matters. If at all the hearsays actually become a reality, the second innings of Mourinho at Chelsea will result due to mutual compatibility and a little bit of mutual convenience.

It is beyond doubt that Chelsea wants him for yet another swan ride. He is after all the most successful manager of the club by a distant mile. Having won two league titles, one FA cup and three other domestic trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, he indeed set the benchmark for his successors. Finding it difficult to live under the constant shadow of the Special One, it is not surprising to see frequent changes in the club’s management.

Last week, he made a comment that served as an indicator to his future destination. “I shall go to a club that loves me.” Going by his statement, it is clear that if at all he were to move right now, Chelsea is that club which fulfils the prerequisites. Indeed the blues’ faithful revere him as if he were a deity. (Ask current boss Rafael Benitez.)

For all we know, he is well respected and regarded highly by many. But then respect and regard go hand in hand with the success a manager achieves. Fans will always go gaga over any manager who brings in trophies and ultimately glory to the club. It is actually no wonder that Chelsea have taken to him. For that matter, any club will have put him on the highest pedestal for what he has achieved. Do you think Tottenham, Liverpool or any other trophy starved club wouldn’t have lapped him up either?

However, to say Mourinho owes that love only due to his success will be a gross understatement. It is evident that the relationship between them is special. The reasons for the same are well documented. He was certainly a rock star in the Premier League (for that matter, he is one everywhere) and mind you, his captivating persona is like no other. With his one-off attitude towards public relations and his unique player handling capability, he is a manager par excellence and there can be no debate on that. Chelsea want him for the right reasons and rightfully so.

But then, it serves well to note that he likes challenges and likes to ‘move on’. While he is certain to leave his current post at Bernabeu, he has always displayed that urge to try out different things. The media has in the past remarked on his reported longing to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Indeed he shares a special bond with Sir Alex, who he fondly refers to as his boss. Ambition is one thing that drives him and the desire to manage one of the greatest clubs of all time will tempt him no doubt. He is bound to hit it off well with the Red Devils family, notwithstanding his Chelsea connections. Eventually when there is a vacancy at Old Trafford, Mourinho will undoubtedly be linked with the post and it will be not be surprising to find the man himself expressing his interest in the job. He will certainly not shy away from throwing in his name just because he is the manager of a rival Premier League club!

The eccentric maverick that he is, he might even ply his trade in the Far East or America in the future but until then, his services are of paramount need to several leading clubs across the continent of Europe including Chelsea. One thing is certain though; Mourinho will gladly welcome an opportunity to be loved and revered yet again after a rather tumultuous time in Spain.