Yup the bastard returns to Chelsea ...
Roll up, roll up, for Jose Mourinho's first State of the Nation address since returning as manager of Chelsea, during which he is expected to demonstrate that he is (a) a healthier influence on football than the dashing but malignant troll he became during his last spell in London or (b) he is still a dashing but malignant troll. He has already billed his return as the continuation of a great love affair but there is a suspicion that it is not so much the depth of his devotion to Chelsea that has brought him back as the lack of love from anyone else. Even though he won the Champions League with Internazionale after his previous departure from the Bridge, this hardly feels like the triumphant return of an all-conquering hero, more like the reluctant repatriation of a chastened young backpacker who ran out of money and pals in Bangkok and had to ring his parents for a plane ticket home. Still, there's no doubting he's smart so we can rely on to put a different spin on things – and maybe even to have learned from his mistakes, in which case it'll be a pleasure to have him back given his many endearing qualities.
More interesting than his demeanour and any jibes at opponents, authorities and/or international humanitarian agencies will, of course, be what he has to say about his plans for Chelsea, particularly the style of play he envisages and any transfer dealings he wants to conduct this summer, such as hiring Edinson Cavani or ditching Juan Mata. Will the Special One deign to discuss these? We're here to find that out. And, of course, to bask in the glow of celebrity, coz that's how we roll in the Premier League.
guardian.co.uk
Roll up, roll up, for Jose Mourinho's first State of the Nation address since returning as manager of Chelsea, during which he is expected to demonstrate that he is (a) a healthier influence on football than the dashing but malignant troll he became during his last spell in London or (b) he is still a dashing but malignant troll. He has already billed his return as the continuation of a great love affair but there is a suspicion that it is not so much the depth of his devotion to Chelsea that has brought him back as the lack of love from anyone else. Even though he won the Champions League with Internazionale after his previous departure from the Bridge, this hardly feels like the triumphant return of an all-conquering hero, more like the reluctant repatriation of a chastened young backpacker who ran out of money and pals in Bangkok and had to ring his parents for a plane ticket home. Still, there's no doubting he's smart so we can rely on to put a different spin on things – and maybe even to have learned from his mistakes, in which case it'll be a pleasure to have him back given his many endearing qualities.
More interesting than his demeanour and any jibes at opponents, authorities and/or international humanitarian agencies will, of course, be what he has to say about his plans for Chelsea, particularly the style of play he envisages and any transfer dealings he wants to conduct this summer, such as hiring Edinson Cavani or ditching Juan Mata. Will the Special One deign to discuss these? We're here to find that out. And, of course, to bask in the glow of celebrity, coz that's how we roll in the Premier League.
guardian.co.uk
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