5 Reasons Why Jose Mourinho Will Be Chelsea's Downfall This Season

2. He Is Relying On His Former Favourites

Ashley Cole, John Terry, Petr Cech and Frank Lampard were all key components of Mourinho's first time in charge of the club, and they served him well. The same players were also instrumental in dismissing former Mourinho protege Andre Villas-Boas from the club after the young Portuguese coach was stifled by the old guard's refusal to adapt to his methods. These players still remain at the club and still form the backbone of the side, something that should have changed by now. Ashley Cole looks decidedly iffy at left-back, and is set to lose his place to Leighton Baines in the England national side. Lampard meanwhile has become the club's all-time record goalscorer, and plays in a deeper midfield role that stunts his former attacking prowess. Terry has looked at times his brilliant defensive self but at other times hopelessly ill-suited to Mourinho's system, with Cech behind him not looking his flexible best in goal. Thibaut Courtois was allowed to rejoin Atletico Madrid in his third successive loan at the club, where he has turned into one of the best keepers not just in the league but in the world, and as far as replacements go, he is the only one good enough to give the old guard a run for their money. Gary Cahill looks nowhere near where he needs to be to be able to take over from Terry, and Ramires is the closest the club have to a young Lampard, but even then he doesn't really suit Mourinho's solid midfield style. As for Cole, there is no one as yet good enough to replace him even in the side, with Ryan Bertrand's development brought to a shattering halt by Mourinho. The youngster has made just one league appearance for the new boss, and doesn't look set to add to that any time soon. Until this changes and a new raft of players are brought in to provide the backbone to his side, Mourinho cannot advance this squad, a problem that will become apparent at the end of the season if he does not spend wisely in the next two transfer windows.