Jose Mourinho: The Special One Or Just Another One?

Following on from the dramatic return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, writer Rayyan Dabbous looks back at his previous time at Stamford Bridge and assesses whether he thinks it will work this time around.

Six years after parting ways, José Mourinho is back at Stamford Bridge. Back in 2007 there was a disagreement between the Portuguese and Chelsea’s Russian owner. Some say he resigned while others assume he was sacked. The reason behind his departure is not important, because time has healed the wounds.  Now, he says he is “The Happy One.”

The homecoming of José Mourinho could be compared to stories where the hero comes back to the rescue. His return however, might not be that festive: similar to all the managers whom Abramovich has sacked over the recent years. Is Mourinho the man Chelsea need?

It seems like it was only yesterday when a 41 year old Champions League winner knocked on Chelsea’s door. He was a successful manager, and he was part of Roman Abramovich’s ambitious plans. Abramovich was enjoying his second season at the helm of Chelsea FC. After the takeover, the London club finished second in the league, and they also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, which was eventually won by the surprise package of Porto, managed by José Mourinho himself. When the Portuguese hopped on board, Abramovich wanted glory, and he wanted it fast.

Mourinho and Abramovich enjoyed two fantastic seasons together. They were able to clinch the Premiership title, and they succeeded in winning it again the following year. With Abramovich’s money, and Mourinho’s mind, The Blues blossomed under an enchanted Renaissance. However, the relationship between the gaffer and his employer was starting to crumble. Chelsea failed to win the league in the 2006/2007 season, and they were denied European glory. The following season, a tornado hit Stamford Bridge. A crisis meeting was held and a decision was made. After that conference, José Mourinho wasn’t Chelsea’s manager anymore.

Time has passed, and both Mourinho and Chelsea moved on. Chelsea have enjoyed some notable successes after Mourinho. They reached the Champions League final in 2008 and they won the double in 2010. On top of that, they were crowned Champions of Europe in 2012. José Mourinho had his own European success too, when he guided Inter Milan to win the UCL in 2010. Mourinho has climbing the ladder of success, while Abramovich kept on showing his employees the door, but still managing to win silverware along the way.

José Mourinho is Chelsea FC’s manager next season. He has been reunited with Roman Abramovich. When Mourinho rejoined Chelsea, questions were asked. Will he be able to hand his trust again to a man who once let him down? Will that man finally be more patient and try to give Chelsea stability?

In my opinion, José Mourinho is a smart guy and he will be cautious this time. Abramovich has learned a lesson and he will set things right. In 6 years, there have been eight different managers at Chelsea FC. I think the count stops here and we might finally see a manager given time to build something special.

What do Chelsea fans think; will Mourinho be a success and will Abramovich give him time? Get involved in the comments section below.