My previous post suggested Mourinho was the perfect candidate for the then vacant manager's seat at Old Trafford. Now that Moyes has taken the reigns at the Theatre of Dreams, the spotlight turns to Stamford Bridge...
Chelsea had got off to a stuttering start in the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season, but, following the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo (which I felt was the wrong decision- later to be proved wrong, I admit), and the appointment of Rafael Benitez, their domestic and European campaigns were soon back on track and heading for glory.
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| 'The Special One' |
Met with unwelcoming taunts and chants at his first few games, it would have been understandable if Benitez stepped down. But no; his unrelenting determination to make a success of the London club's season shone through, and he stuck by his principles as interim coach at The Blues, guiding them to a very respectable 3rd place finish in the Premier League. They also claimed victory in the Europa League final, making Chelsea the first club in history to hold both European Crowns at the same time.
Mix that with the achievement for Frank Lampard, breaking the record of all-time top goalscorer for Chelsea, previously held by Bobby Tamlin, and surely that can be deemed a successful season...?
Leaving with his head held high, Rafael Benitez transformed the fortunes of the club within such a short space of time, and has left the building blocks in place for his successor to progress the club to the next level. The opportunity of mounting a serious challenge for the title next season doesn't seem that unrealistic...
But who has the tactical knowledge and quality which such a challenge would demand?
Jose Mourinho. He's done it before, in successive seasons, and I doubt that there is a better man out there at the moment who has the skill set required...
He's recently announced his decision to depart the Bernabeu after three years at Real Madrid as Manager, and in numerous press conferences he has been quotes as saying 'I will go where I am loved'.
Make of that what you will; what I believe it to be is a sly message to all those fans who have been yearning for the return of the 'Special One', a message that says 'London... I'm coming home.'
The love affair between the English press and Football's most eccentric manager will commence once more.
We'll be graced with quotes the like of which we have never even comprehended, such as “It is like having a blanket that is too small for the bed. You pull the blanket up to keep your chest warm and your feet stick out. I cannot buy a bigger blanket becuase the supermarket is closed. But I am content because the blanket is cashmere. It is no ordinary blanket.”
I love him. I want him back in the Premier League, and I'm sure the majority of the footballing community want him back.
There will be changes at Stamford Bridge. Players out. Players in. One manager out. One manager in.
Chelsea will rise to the top once more, that's his plan.
He's not arrogant. He's special.
As a Chelsea fan.. I'm were also sad when RDM were fired. It proved once again how ignorant and unpatient Abramovitch can be. I was skeptical regarding Benitez because of his history as a Liverpool manager, but he deserves a lot of credit for the great season finale we got. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteNow, as he has left the Bridge, I sure do hope Mourinho returns. I see no other manager who would be better suited to help us win the league again. All I can do is cross my fingers and hope he comes back.
I think it's a certainty, to be honest. He's hinted. Lampard is asking for it. The media are already discussing potential transfer targets that Mourinho has in mind.
ReplyDeleteChelsea are my dark horse for the league title next season.
I read some rumours today that he has already signed the contract. I wouldn't be suprised if it's true.
ReplyDeleteWhat team do you support in the Premier League? :)
I actually prefer Liverpool & Newcastle (Northern teams) but once Leeds seal their inevitable return to the Premier League (stop sniggering at the back), they'll be rivals once more...
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of Liverpool picking up Kolo Toure on free transfer? I think you could have picked up a better replacement for Carragher, but maybe Rodgers have plans to buy another defender?
ReplyDeleteHi Orjan,
ReplyDeleteI personally think he's a good piece of business, on a free, even as a short term replacement for Carragher he's ideal, with Premier League winning experience behind his belt, for both Arsenal & Man City.
Lost his way a bit with injury and also the drug test issues, but I think he's a better bet than Coates at Anfield.
I'd like to see Skrtel come back into the line up, as he is a strong, dominant defender, and with bags of strength, he intimidates attackers. (He looks crazy!)
That money which would have been spent on a CB can be freed up now. One of the signings they have made in Iago Aspas is also a good buy, a capable player; but it remains to be seen whether he will have quite the same luck in the Premier League.
I'd also like to see Oussama Assaidi come into the fray a bit more. When I watched him last season on the seldom occasion he was tested, I felt he looked threatening every time he had the ball down that left wing, and when cutting inside he looked capable of creating a chance or going for goal himself... One to watch for me.