Jose Mourinho is again at Stamford Bridge this week, and if there’s one factor he all the time does, it’s seize the highlight.
His Benfica staff involves London after a 2-1 win on the weekend, however the larger story is all about timing.
The return of the person often known as “The Particular One” comes whereas Chelsea are struggling underneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca – and there are already questions being requested about his future.
Chelsea in Poor Type
Chelsea have received simply one among their final 5 video games – and that win was an in depth one in opposition to League One aspect Lincoln Metropolis.
They’ve additionally misplaced to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Brighton, and followers are getting nervous.
The loss to Brighton particularly raised considerations. It led to a gathering involving co-owner Behdad Eghbali, sporting administrators Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and recruitment staff members Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.
Maresca Nonetheless Has Time – However Strain Is Rising
For now, Maresca’s job is protected, and the membership will wait till the tip of the season to make a correct determination. But it surely’s clear that even he’s pissed off.
In the summertime, Maresca requested for a brand new goalkeeper and a central defender. To this point, these two positions have brought on issues: Robert Sánchez and Trevoh Chalobah have each been despatched off in latest defeats.
Whereas the membership understands his considerations, outcomes have put a highlight on these weaknesses.
Mourinho May Make Issues Worse for Chelsea
All of this makes Mourinho’s return extra harmful.
The Portuguese supervisor is legendary for beating the percentages, and he would love nothing greater than to remind Chelsea followers of his outdated magic — by beating his former membership and including to their issues.
If Benfica win, it received’t simply be a shock – it will additionally elevate extra questions on Chelsea’s rebuild.
Chelsea Must Keep Targeted
This week is all about calming issues down on the membership.
The board nonetheless expects Chelsea to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League – and for that, they need stability across the supervisor.
On the similar time, Chelsea must carry out on this season’s Champions League, too.
The phrase from Cobham is that Maresca shall be backed in January, with a critical push anticipated to signal a high goalkeeper and a robust centre-back.
However make no mistake: if Mourinho wins at Stamford Bridge, it’s going to harm – particularly for followers who nonetheless admire him.
Nobody at Chelsea is speaking about sacking the supervisor but, however Maresca is aware of he wants to indicate progress – and quick.
Mourinho has spent his profession proving individuals flawed.
Maresca, for now, simply needs individuals to imagine in him.
