After Chelsea decided to part ways with Enzo Maresca, less than six months after he guided the club to Club World Cup glory, the club have been searching for a replacement. It is true that over the past few weeks, the results had not been anywhere near the mark. But the Italian's disagreements with the ownership behind the scenes is believed to be the primary reason behind why he was shown the exit door.
If true, that is a step that could not only derail Chelsea's season but also undo all of the positive work that Maresca had done over the past 18 months. It also raises further questions about the club's structure. Right now, it feels inevitable that managers will have a falling out working under this ownership.
Maresca's name has been added to Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino. It feels like the club might prefer a Yes man over somebody who can deliver success. That is worrying, to say the very least.
Liam Rosenior is rumoured to be their preferred choice for the role. He is the current Strasbourg boss, already under the BlueCo umbrella. The Englishman does not have the credentials to justify getting the Chelsea job, but he might fit what this ownership wants in their 'head coach', someone who is going to have very little say and just get on with coaching the players he is provided.
Jose Mourinho linked with blockbuster Chelsea return out of nowhere
Amid all this, a high-profile name is being linked with a return to Stamford Bridge. As reported by Fichajes, Jose Mourinho would be willing to return to Chelsea.
Now, if this is accurate, then it feels like a bad idea. Mourinho is not the type of manager who will fall in line with whatever the ownership wants. It simply won't work.
At the same time, Mourinho also seems well past his best. And bringing him at this point might not be a great idea, regardless of whether he can fit in or not.