Managerial returns to old clubs in the Premier League are uncommon, but José Mourinho, known as “The Special One,” carries an exceptional reputation.
Having secured three Premier League titles during his two stints at Stamford Bridge, rumors whisper of a potential third coming.
Mauricio Pochettino, 51, arrived with high hopes of exceeding last season’s performances under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
However, the results paint a different picture. Pochettino’s points-per-game average barely surpasses Potter’s, raising concerns about his suitability.
While Potter’s calm approach yielded mixed results with a talented squad, reports now suggest player discontent under Pochettino’s training methods.
Despite these struggles, Pochettino still showcases his tactical prowess in cup competitions.
He guided Chelsea to the Carabao Cup final and orchestrated their season-best performance in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
Further demonstrating potential, they followed it up with another 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace.
However, inconsistency remains a major issue. Thumping wins against Tottenham and draws against Manchester City are often followed by disheartening losses, like the 4-1 drubbing by Newcastle.
Similar patterns emerged after a thrilling 3-2 win over Brighton, with subsequent defeats to Manchester United and Everton.
Pochettino undoubtedly hopes the Villa win marks a turning point, but continued inconsistency could pave the way for Mourinho’s return.
As former technical advisor Petr Cech stated, “You never know” when the possibility arises.