03.06.2013 was the day every Chelsea fan on the planet had been waiting for. Yes, Jose Mourinho was officially named Chelsea manager after all the weeks of mad speculation.
Just over a year since the historic Champions League win, and yet it seems like an entire decade has passed since. Well, you wouldn’t blame me, Chelsea have actually played 71 games since the beginning of this season (Yes, that’s right! SEVENTY ONE!). So, here I sit, reading tweets and messages from Chelsea fans all over the world, raving about his appointment.
And I ask myself one question – Is this what Chelsea Football Club need?
Okay, let’s quickly rewind this previous season. Playing in 7 different competitions, Chelsea were knocked out of all of them, ending up winning the 8th one instead. They became the first team in the history of the Champions League to go out in the group stages as defending champions, as also the first team in history to hold the Champions League as well as the Europa League trophies simultaneously, albeit for only 10 days.
Finishing 3rd did seem like a trophy too, considering the season that transpired. The Frank Lampard contract saga was stretched out of proportion by the club, and Rafa Benitez’s appointment, by the fans. A turbulent season, with all pieces falling together in the end.
Is Mourinho’s signing the final piece of the jigsaw then? Let’s look at the challenges and the expectations that ‘The Special One’ faces on his ‘Homecoming’.