How Chelsea could line up if Jose Mourinho returns for third spell

Cameron Smith

• 28 Jan 2023 14:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Jose Mourinho is keen to return to Chelsea for a third spell at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss is currently in charge of Serie A giants AS Roma, but is growing frustrated at the lack of financial backing he's received.

Chelsea, on the other hand, seemingly have unlimited funds under new owner Todd Boehly, who has already spent over €400 million since taking over from Roman Abramovich in 2022.

READ: Revealed: Chelsea's three-man goalkeeper shortlist

The ambition Chelsea have shown this January has been very eye-catching, with Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, and Andrey Santos all arriving on permanent deals this month, while Joao Felix has joined on a six-month loan deal.

Boehly has repeatedly stressed that current boss Graham Potter has full backing, but if Mourinho pushes for a move back to Stamford Bridge, then it could be too good to turn down.

The Daily Mail have reported that Mourinho is unhappy at the club's lack of spending power and wants to return to England next season.

READ: Potter's Caicedo transfer stance hangs Chelsea out to dry

His ideal scenario would reportedly be a third spell at Chelsea, and his representatives have told the club that he would be interested in any vacancy at Stamford Bridge. However, Potter's job seems safe for now.

Mourinho's wife and children still live in London, following his spell at Tottenham, and he would like to manage in the English top flight once again, according to reports.

Mourinho's Chelsea XI

Mourinho has almost solely used a 3-4-3 formation at Roma, and that could continue were he to re-join Chelsea.

Kepa Arrizabalaga could keep his place in goal, although Edouard Mendy could also get the nod.

Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile would provide youth alongside the vastly experienced Thiago Silva, who Mourinho would no doubt love to work with.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit at the same time in recent years, but they remain the Blues' first-choice wing-back pairing.

Mourinho has used Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini in a double pivot throughout this season, despite his history playing further forward, which is a role that Mason Mount is almost ideally suited too. He could partner Mato Kovacic.

In front of them could be the dynamic duo of Felix and Mudryk, providing the creativity for Tammy Abraham, who Mourinho could bring back to Stamford Bridge with him.

The Englishman has been a key player for Mourinho at Roma, and he could be tempted by the thought of returning to his boyhood club with the Portuguese manager.