If Chelsea decide to sack Mauricio Pochettino, there is one manager who would reportedly love to replace the Argentine in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Jose Mourinho is keen on a return to his former club.
However, Craig Burley, who has been speaking on ESPN FC, cannot see Mourinho rejoining Chelsea for a third spell in charge.
His last stint at Stamford Bridge ended in 2015 after he was sacked. Since then, the 61-year-old has gone on to manage Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma.
However, all three of his spells at those places also ended with him being dismissed.
Jose Mourinho to Chelsea not happening
Burley is not entertaining the idea of Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge.
“Listen, that’s not happening,” the former Chelsea midfielder said. “It’s like asking Carl Lewis to come back and win the gold medal at the Olympics! It won’t happen.”
Not many options out there for Chelsea
Honestly, we do not think Chelsea should completely dismiss Mourinho, especially if they decide that Pochettino needs to be replaced right now.
You cannot think of too many names who could come in and succeed the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur boss.
It is going to be difficult to appoint someone who is already under contract now, while some may not even fancy the job in the summer given the decline that Chelsea are on.
Mourinho, who has been described as a “world-class manager” by Jurgen Klopp, may not be at the peak of his powers anymore. Yet he may still be the best name out there for Chelsea at the moment.
All in all, though, it may be wise for the Blues to wait until the end of the season before making any big decisions. Another top coach or two could perhaps become available then.
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