Juan Mata and Fernando Torres would welcome Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
The Blues are in the market for a new coach after the departure of Rafael Benitez, who succeeded Roberto Di Matteo on an interim basis back in November. Although the former Liverpool boss led the Londoners to a third-place finish and glory in the UEFA Europa League, he was never truly accepted by fans who still associated him with the Anfield club.
Mourinho has long been linked with a return to the Premier League giants, in a move which would be universally welcomed at Stamford Bridge. The 50-year-old, who won two titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his previous spell in charge, will soon be a free agent, after Real Madrid confirmed this week he will be released in the summer.
Having previously hinted that he would welcome a second stint at Chelsea, his return could be confirmed within the next fortnight, although Paris St Germain are also understood to be keeping an eye on the situation. But if, as expected, he is back in England next season, he will have the backing of Mata, who has emerged as one of the key players in the Blues side.
“Jose is one of the best,” said the former Valencia man. “He won everything in every country he was – in Portugal, in Italy, in London with Chelsea, and in Spain as well. We don’t know really what is going to happen but if he comes he is welcome because he is one of the best and Chelsea always want to be a top side. If he comes we are going to be happy to have him.”
Torres has also talked excitedly about working with Mourinho, despite the striker enjoying a sound relationship with Benitez. The 29-year-old has been linked with a transfer in the coming weeks after struggling to impress following his £50million British record move from Liverpool, but it appears as though the former Atletico Madrid man has no intention of leaving.
“This is the situation now. Chelsea is looking for a new manager, Jose Mourinho is free,” he said. “We have players that have been working with him so they have good memories with him at Chelsea. I wish it would happen. I wish to have the chance to be under Jose Mourinho’s management. It’s a challenge, a big motivation, so I wish it would happen.”
