Torres is allegedly open to a Mourinho return, are you? [poll]
The Spanish forward was quoted by The Sun:
“Mourinho is a big coach and is very much wanted at Chelsea.
“I’ll work with him anytime but I know it’s difficult.”
Torres’ comments may have been taken out of context somewhat, but many believe that Carlo Ancelotti is not likely to be the Chelsea manager for the 2011/12 season and it has also been suggested that Jose Mourinho, who has his own issues at Real Madrid, more or less has his pick of which club he will manage next.
It’s thought that Mourinho would prefer to return to England’s Premier League – his spiritual home – and has been linked to a host of clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and even a potential return to Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese manager enjoyed a successful spell in west London winning two Premier League titles, two Carling Cups, an FA Cup and a Community Shield, but the arrival of outside influences, like Frank Arnesen and Avram Grant soured relations and arguably contributed to Mourinho’s acrimonious departure in September 2007.
The 48-year-old’s Real Madrid side are currently seven points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga and Mourinho is facing a similar power struggle at the Santiago Bernabeu as he did at Stamford Bridge.
Jose’s relationship with Real’s general director Jorge Valdano is deep-rooted, as the Argentinean once compared Mourinho’s brand of football as ‘shit on a stick’ and describing the then Chelsea manager as ‘vain’, ‘a control freak’ and a ‘cheat’. Things have not improved much since the pair have started working together in Madrid, which has led many to believe that Mourinho will leave the Spanish capital in the summer.
Mourinho is a much loved figure amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful for what he achieved there, so it’s hardly surprising that a fair chunk of the Chelsea support are craving the return of their Special One, but how likely is it to happen?
He maintains that he is still ‘in love’ with Chelsea and had previously suggested that he’d never manage a rival club to any of the teams he has managed in the past. Also, most of the outside influences that irked Mourinho during the latter stages of his Chelsea tenure are now gone, with his old enemy Arnesen set to depart at the end of the season, could the way be paved for his return?
However, Mourinho is not without his critics and after short successful stints at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, the likes of Mick Dennis (Daily Express) have questioned his ability on a long term basis, whilst others argue that he is yet to prove that he can nurture young talent, which is important from a Chelsea perspective as they hold hight hopes for the likes of Josh McEachran. He is yet to prove these criticisms wrong, but that’s not to say that he won’t do.
We can only speculate, but what are your thoughts on the rumours?
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