Many Chelsea fans would love to see Jose Mourinho join the club for a third stint in charge, however sources at the club believe he is set to take over as the new Portugal manager.
As Liam Rosenior became the latest inexperienced coach to leave the club, many have cried out for the owners to bring an experienced head to take over.
Behdad Eghbali seems to be favouring Andoni Iraola as a candidate for the role, although large pockets of Chelsea fans have been known to sing Jose Mourinho’s name at games when things aren’t going well.
Who do YOU want to see replace Liam Rosenior now he is sacked?
Chelsea sources say they are not going to bring in Jose Mourinho to replace Liam Rosenior
There is currently no clarity over his position at Benfica, despite currently leading them to an invincible season in Portugal.
Chelsea sources have told Ben Jacobs though that there are currently no plans to setup a fairytale return for Mourinho to Stamford Bridge, and he is expected instead to move into international management.
SL Benfica v Vitoria SC - Primeira Liga
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He told GiveMeSport: “Chelsea have always downplayed Jose Mourinho returning. So something would have to change there. It’s worth just noting that Mourinho is expected to be a free agent and a lot of people actually think that he’s quite likely to walk into the Portugal job after the World Cup.”
Mourinho was present at Stamford Bridge this season for Champions League action in the group stages. His side were beaten 1-0 by the Blues, although predictably, refereeing decisions caused controversy in his eyes.
While large portions of the fanbase will never forget his three Premier League title wins, some will be quick to point out he has since managed Manchester United and Tottenham.
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Andoni Iraola's Premier League record
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Leading candidates for Chelsea job
Calum McFarlane is expected to lead the club until the end of the season, giving the decision makers time to pick who will become the permanent successor to Rosenior.
As well as Iraola, Chelsea have Marco Silva on their list of potential candidates, with his contract with Fulham set to expire at the end of the season.
Premier League experience seems to be at the top of the agenda when it comes to who they bring in, after two consecutive managers who had never managed in the league before.
Despite this, there is an admiration for Cesc Fabregas, although he currently has no ambition to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
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