Why Jose Mourinho's Return To Chelsea Will Bring More Than Just Silverware
a place where he is loved. That place is Stamford Bridge. That place is Chelsea. His three year spell in Spain was hot and cold. He briefly masterminded the run for Madrid which culminated in a League title in 2012 and a brief rest bite from the perennial success that Barcelona have enjoyed over the last five years or so. However his time was also overshadowed by reported fall outs with the President of Real Madrid Florentino Perez and an up and down relationship with the Spanish media. If that was not enough, Mourinho had to manage several notable off the field issues during the 2012-13 season - his last at the club - including the breakdown in the relationship with stalwart and club captain Iker Casillas over what he originally called justifying his decision - for technical reasons. This did not go down well though at the Bernabeu and a reported rift then ensued, something which overshadowed the success he did achieve following his move from Internazionale in 2010. It was destined to end. And in many ways he was always set to return to the club he left acrimoniously way back in 2007. Since then Chelsea have remained largely the same. A succession of managers have come and gone some good and some bad. One thing that has remained untouched and largely serves as Mourinhos legacy from his first stint is the success. Chelsea have even added the holy grail that even the Special One himself was unable to deliver: the European Cup in 2012. Mourinho arrives back in west London with great expectations. He is more mature and ready for another crack in England. He ventures back into the top division which has seen the rise of both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur since his successful first spell came to a close. His task is arguably even greater this time around, particularly due to the level of success he achieved in securing back to back Premiership titles, an FA Cup and two Carling Cups. The core of the team which he oversaw in his first spell was the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba. The latter has now departed but he steps into the role with a new breed of talent to work with as Oscar, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata are certain to be the focal points of a new look Chelsea, but they resemble players similar to the Barcelona mould and it will be fascinating to see whether he sticks to playing expansive football or adapting them to his forte of keeping clean sheets and maintaining a strong back four. It is a formality that he will strengthen his side, particularly up front as despite netting twenty-three goals in all competitions last season there are still question marks surrounding the long term future of Fernando Torres, and whether Demba Ba an acquisition under Rafael Benitez in January of this year is a viable alternative or a long term fixture in the Blues side. He certainly has several decisions to make regarding the core of his new squad, and in particular the old guard who are now with all due respect reaching the twilights of their respective careers. 
In many experts eyes, and to a certain extent mine included, it will be harder this time around. This should not hide from the fact that Mourinho has succeeded everywhere he has been (including Spain even though he was not able to achieve as much success as at Porto, Chelsea and Inter), and a happier Mourinho, a happier anyone is arguably a good thing, especially for Chelseas chances of securing silverware next season. However, the politics behind the scenes regarding the running of the club and his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich, something Mourinho himself has been quick to dismiss as a possible issue upon his return to England, is difficult to overlook. In fact, it is widely believed a break down in this relationship was ultimately the catalyst behind his departure six years ago. The new Chelsea manager has stated he and Abramovich have sorted out their differences and are prepared to help move the club forward. Press conference entertainment was unquestionably one of the highlights from his first stint and may reconvene now that he has returned, and his antics on the touchline will without a doubt keep us all entertained. However, it is not just this facet of his persona that excites me and should excite any follower of English football. Having one of the best managers in world football in the Premier League is a wonderful thing, and when it seemed like Englands top division had slightly lost its way with the almost sedate nature of the 2012/13 campaign which seemingly crowned Manchester United champions again by Christmas, it is once again rejuvenated by the biggest capture of the summer, in a summer of managerial changes as well, particularly with the high profile retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. The return of Jose Mourinho should whet the appetite for another season of football, a season where Chelsea should be expected to challenge on all fronts. Jose Mourinhos second coming as manager will do more than inevitably bring silverware. He is returning for the first time in his career to a club that he knows already, to an environment where he has succeeded before. Having seen the likes of Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti come and go, priority number one must be providing the club with stablility that it has seldom seen since Abramovich took control a decade ago. It is sure to be interesting to see whether the Chelsea hierarchy will allow him to stay for the foreseeable future, especially if things do not go to plan early into his tenure. It nevertheless should be a season or many seasons as Chelsea fans undoubtedly hope - where another chapter will be written in the enthralling career of a certain The Happy One.