Whatever the wider criticism of the Roman Abramovich era at Chelsea, there could never be any debate over what the Russian's primary motivation was - winning.
By the time Jose Mourinho began his first season at the helm back in 2004, the Blues had assembled a stellar, stacked squad who would ultimately go on to dominate over the next two years, romping to a first Premier League title while conceding just 15 goals all campaign.
For the next decade or so, that core of players, that core of men, were a team to be feared, both domestically and in Europe, a far cry from the present day.
Indeed, BlueCo's obsession with looking to the future, and on player trading, has ignored that very basic goal of football - to win - while consistently talking of projects and long-term ambitions.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior
After the failure of Liam Rosenior's short-lived tenure, this needs to be a point of change in west London, something that a new, elite manager could well inspire.
Latest on Chelsea's search to replace Rosenior
Right from the off, Rosenior felt like a dead man walking in the Chelsea dugout, arguably promoted too soon as the latest questionable act of this multi-club model.
Liam Rosenior record at Strasbourg (timeless)
Ten defeats in 23 games simply isn't up to par for a Champions League-chasing side, with the Blues unable to overcome a depleted Manchester United defence last time out.
Youth coach Callum McFarlane will now hold the fort until a permanent replacement is named this summer, with there a sense that Todd Boehly and co are yet to settle on a preferred, leading candidate for next season.
That said, as per TEAMtalk, the man who is considered the 'dream target' is current Germany boss, Julian Nagelsmann, despite having yet to make contact with him.
The report suggests that the Blues are ready to present their project to the ex-Bayern Munich manager, even if they are of the opinion that it would be difficult to tempt him to west London.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann, still only 38, is said to be a figure that BlueCo 'love', with any appointment not deemed to be 'impossible'.
Why Nagelsmann could be the next Mourinho at Chelsea
In an era devoid of true managers, or at least devoid of managerial personalities, it's easy to forget the impact that Mourinho made when he walked in the door just over two decades ago, making the move to England off the back of a remarkable Champions League success with Porto.
The charming, enigmatic young coach instantly took Chelsea to that next level, with 'The Special One' winning the league at the first two opportunities, prior to claiming the title again following his return in 2013.
Success has been enjoyed without Mourinho at the helm, be it under Carlo Ancelotti or Antonio Conte, but the Portuguese remains the benchmark for modern Blues managers.
Chelsea managers - PL PPG*
Coach
Grant
Mourinho
Conte
Ancelotti
Benitez
Scolari
Tuchel
Hiddink
Sarri
Di Matteo
*Top 10 - since 2000
Hopefully, Nagelsmann can be the man to finally replicate such success, with the German potentially set to arrive in west London as the "best young coach in Europe", as per journalist Josh Bunting, just as Mourinho did in 2024.
In the view of compatriot Tim Wiese, the coaching wonderkid is like a "Mini Mourinho", having also never played at the elite level himself after seeing his playing career cut short at the age of 20 through injury.
When one door closes another opens, however, with Nagelsmann swiftly emerging as the world's hottest managerial prospect, taking charge of Hoffenheim at the age of just 28 back in 2015.
Having arrived with the club in relegation peril, by the end of his stay the Bundesliga side were a Champions League outfit, while his time at RB Leipzig would also see the polarising club reach the last four of Europe's premier competition.
julian-nagelsmann-germany-wirtz
A Bundesliga champion at Bayern after that, he has now spent almost three years in the German national team, with all eyes on leading the 2014 champions to further World Cup glory this summer.
Regardless of what does occur in North America, Chelsea should certainly do what they can to tempt him into a Premier League switch, with Nagelsmann looking like the second coming of Mourinho, it must be said.
He's young, somewhat unique and a man who has already racked up a wealth of experience at the elite level, making him the perfect fit to guide this current Blues crop back to where they belong.
As Mourinho showcased, great managers can fashion great sides almost immediately.
Enzo-Maresca-Leeds-Chelsea Related
[The new Maresca: Chelsea now ready to hire "football's next elite manager"](https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-getting-ready-to-hire-cesc-fabregas-new-maresca/ "The new Maresca: Chelsea now ready to hire "football's next elite manager"")
The Blues must get their next appointment right...