Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign had just ended in defeat when Jose Mourinho spotted an opportunity to send a message.
Even though Madrid can still end a mediocre season – mediocre by its high standards, anyway – with the Copa del Rey title, Mourinho is laying the groundwork for a divorce, dropping heavy hints about a return to the English Premier League and Chelsea, the team he managed from June 2004 to September 2007.
‘’I know in England I am loved,’’ he said during a news conference in Madrid after Tuesday night’s elimination. ‘’I’m loved by the fans. I’m loved by the media that treats me in a fair way, criticizing me when they have (to), but giving me credit when I deserve it. I know I’m loved by some clubs, especially one. And in Spain the situation is a bit different because some people hate me. And many of you are in this room.’’
Fans in west London were stunned when Mourinho’s relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich broke down in 2007 after three-plus seasons that included league titles in 2005 and 2006 – the first for the club since 1955 – and the 2007 FA Cup.
Each of his successors – Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez – has been judged against Mourinho’s achievements and allure.
Few, if any, have succeeded in matching his success and charisma, particularly not Benitez.
Installed as interim manager in November despite fan opposition that turned his early matches into a cauldron of hatred, Benitez’s reign has underlined the need for a unifying figure to serve as the permanent manager. Benitez already has said he will be leaving when the season ends next month.
‘’One day, naturally, I have to be back,’’ Mourinho said last month in London, where he kept a home. ‘’Chelsea is in my heart.’’
Chelsea players are bracing for the return of the colourful leader.
‘’Everyone who loves Chelsea hopes Mourinho will return,’’ Chelsea defender Bransilav Ivanovic was quoted as telling Serbian newspaper Vecernje Novosti.
Chelsea hasn’t been close to winning the Premier League since Ancelotti delivered the title in 2010, and Chelsea isn’t even assured of a Champions League berth for next season.
‘’With (Mourinho) we can be stronger as a club,’’ Ivanovic said in the Serbian interview last week. ‘’It would add another dimension to Chelsea, and it would be sure to help us become one of the main contenders for the title.’’
Mourinho has retained his swagger in recent years while appearing to tone down some of the bravado, engaging in fewer conflicts with rivals and referees.
It’s unlikely soccer would witness a repeat of the frenzied dash down the touchline by Mourinho at Old Trafford following a second-round win in 2004 en route to the Champions League title with Porto.
When Mourinho’s Madrid won at United in March, he even quietly headed toward the dressing room before the final whistle blew and then praised the losers.
The special one will be given an incredible £100m transfer kitty to rebuild Chelsea if he makes the move back to the Blues this summer.
As Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to show the love – he has made Mourinho his No.1 managerial target and is ready to make a return to the big-spending early days of the Russian billionaire’s ownership of the club.
Atletico Madrid’s £50 million striker Radamel Falcao is top of Chelsea’s wish list – but the Stamford Bridge deals will not stop there.
Abramovich is also ready to bankroll a £20m move for Bayern Leverkusen star Andre Schurrle who is believed to have agreed personal terms on a five year deal.
Blues have a longstanding interest in Everton’s Marouane Fellaini who hopes to be allowed to leave Goodison if a top four club comes in with a bid in excess of £20m.
Chelsea also fancy Southampton’s highly-promising teenage left back Luke Shaw.
The special one will be given an incredible £100m transfer kitty to rebuild Chelsea if he makes the move back to the Blues this summer.
As Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to show the love – he has made Mourinho his No.1 managerial target and is ready to make a return to the big-spending early days of the Russian billionaire’s ownership of the club.
Atletico Madrid’s £50 million striker Radamel Falcao is top of Chelsea’s wish list – but the Stamford Bridge deals will not stop there.
Abramovich is also ready to bankroll a £20m move for Bayern Leverkusen star Andre Schurrle who is believed to have agreed personal terms on a five year deal.
Blues have a longstanding interest in Everton’s Marouane Fellaini who hopes to be allowed to leave Goodison if a top four club comes in with a bid in excess of £20m.
Chelsea also fancy Southampton’s highly-promising teenage left back Luke Shaw.
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