Jose Mourinho has been backed to return to Chelsea for a third spell in charge, with former Blues star Joe Cole insisting it is "the best move they can make." The Portuguese manager is reportedly on Real Madrid's radar, but Cole believes Chelsea should act swiftly to secure his services.
Chelsea's Managerial Carousel Continues
Chelsea are on the lookout for a new permanent manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior, who lasted only a few months in the role. The west London club have seen a revolving door of managers in recent years, including Enzo Maresca, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Tuchel, all of whom have been sacked or moved on by the hierarchy.
The instability has left the club searching for a figure who can restore order and success. Mourinho, who has just completed an unbeaten season with Benfica, is being touted as the ideal candidate. He remains Chelsea's most successful manager, having won three Premier League titles during his previous two stints at Stamford Bridge.
Joe Cole's Endorsement
Joe Cole, who played under Mourinho during his first spell, has publicly urged the club to bring him back. Speaking to The Sun, Cole said: "The best move the club could make now, a realistic move as well, is to go to Jose Mourinho. Say that this is what we can do, and just let the man take charge of the club. Just say, rebuild my club for me, we're going to step back, you get us back on track."
Cole added: "Give him a long contract, and tell the players and the fans just to take the transition. Tell the fans, we've given you what you want. Jose is in charge of bringing the players in. Jose is in charge of everything. So, the fans know where they stand, and the players know where they stand as a group. And then leave it. It's going to take a few years. But I'm pretty sure, in three years, Chelsea will be in a healthier position than they are now."
He also dismissed suggestions that Mourinho is past his best, pointing to Real Madrid's interest as proof of his enduring quality. "Everyone's thinking he's finished, but there's a reason Real Madrid are looking at him," Cole said.
Real Madrid Link
Mourinho is believed to be the preferred choice of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer. The Special One has not consistently challenged for league titles since leaving Chelsea in 2016, with subsequent spells at Manchester United, Tottenham, and Roma yielding mixed results.
However, Mourinho remains a hugely respected figure in the game and is known for his ability to command a dressing room. Chelsea have continued to invest heavily in their squad year after year, but it has not translated into sustained success in the Premier League. Many believe that a strong personality in the dugout could be the catalyst the club needs to return to the top.
What Lies Ahead
With Chelsea's ownership group having churned through managers at an alarming rate, the prospect of bringing back a proven winner like Mourinho could be appealing. The club's fans have grown frustrated with the lack of stability and direction, and a third stint for Mourinho might provide the leadership required to navigate the current transition.
As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see whether the club heeds Cole's advice and makes a move for their former manager.
