Richard Keys thinks there is a possibility that Chelsea may appoint Jose Mourinho again if their search for a new manager lasts until the end of the season.
There are a few good reasons why Mourinho is not on Chelsea’s reported shortlist of candidates to replace Graham Potter — or at least not among the favourites.
Firstly, the 60-year-old is under contract at Roma until 2024.
This did not stop Chelsea from getting managers previously, including Potter, but it is something that would have to be resolved if they were to approach the two-time Champions League winner.
Secondly, Chelsea are in a phase where they need a manager who can start an era with young talents. Mourinho, on the other hand, notably prefers to rely on experienced, battle-hardened players.
Keys, however, still believes that Mourinho’s track record of delivering trophies and his connection with the club should make him an attractive option for Chelsea.
“It would appear that Chelsea want to take their time finding a new coach,” Keys wrote on his blog.
“Is that because they’re prepared to wait for Mourinho?
“If they don’t appoint until the end of the season, don’t rule it out.
“There’s no way he would walk out on Roma now but he might if he delivers a CL place and a trophy.
“Chelsea is his home.”
If Mourinho were out of work and Chelsea needed a caretaker manager to steady the ship until the end of the season, this would have made more sense.
This is obviously not the case, and Mourinho is therefore a very unlikely candidate for this job.
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