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Jose Mourinho backed to return to Chelsea for third spell

10 May 2026 11:02 BST | 4 min read

Jose Mourinho, Chelsea

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has urged his former club to bring Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge for a third spell amid their pursuit of a new permanent head coach.

The Blues hierarchy are once again searching for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and widespread reports have suggested that a head coach with proven experience will be appointed as the west London giants look to finally establish themselves as Champions League regulars under Clearlake Capital.

The likes of Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola have all been linked with the vacant Stamford Bridge job, while Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has also been tipped to return after guiding the Sky Blues to the Championship title this season.

Mourinho has been touted as a possible option for Chelsea too, although he is currently the prime candidate to become the next Real Madrid manager, with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez keen to bring him back to the Bernabeu following two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.

The Special One has a 61% win rate at Benfica since his appointment back in September and it’s widely understood that he is likely to leave the Portuguese giants this summer.

It’s reported that Mourinho is keen to rejoin Real Madrid if the opportunity presents itself ahead of next season, although the aforementioned Cole has urged Chelsea to hire him for a third time instead.

Jose Mourinho, Benfica

Chelsea told to appoint Jose Mourinho

Speaking to The Sun" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39053766/chelsea-jose-mourinho-joe-cole-john-stones-transfer-news/" target="_blank">The Sun about Chelsea’s managerial hunt, Cole admitted: “The best move the club could make now, a realistic move as well, is to go to Jose Mourinho.

“Say that this is what we can do, and just let the man take charge of the club. Just say, ‘rebuild my club for me, we’re going to step back, you get us back on track.’

“Give him a long contract, and tell the players and the fans just to take the transition.

“Tell the fans, ‘We’ve given you what you want. Jose is in charge of bringing the players in. Jose is in charge of everything.’

“So, the fans know where they stand, and the players know where they stand as a group. And then leave it. It’s going to take a few years. But I’m pretty sure, in three years, Chelsea will be in a healthier position than they are now.

“Everyone’s thinking he’s finished, but there’s a reason Real Madrid are looking at him.”

Mourinho won three Premier League titles across his two spells as Chelsea head coach and he is widely considered to be the club’s greatest ever manager.