Chapter 464: Chapter 464
Mourinho has been holding in a lot of ambition!
Ever since returning to Chelsea from Real Madrid, he’s been brimming with determination.
After clinching his first league title upon his Premier League return, he felt triumphant, filled with ambition!
The 54-year-old Portuguese man is in the prime of a coach’s career.
The summer of 2013, dismissed from Real Madrid, departing in defeat, Mourinho set his resolve to reclaim everything he lost in La Liga, right here in the Premier League!
I want to restore my dignity as a coach here!
In the second season back at Stanford Bridge, he led the Blue Army through the fierce battle against Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, all the way to victory, securing the Premier League title.
This summer, with Abu’s solid backing, the Portuguese coach was brimming with ambition, aiming to make a significant move in the transfer market, further strengthening the squad and establishing a second dynasty for Chelsea!
Proud Mourinho believes that, with his excellent reputation in football, coupled with Abu’s constant financial support, as soon as he gives the order, global football talents would not flock to join him?
However, the transfer market is unpredictable, and what unfolded continually dealt a heavy blow to the overconfident "special one".
Firstly, he lost out to the Premier League newcomers Manchester City in the battle for Tang Long;
Settling for De Bruyne instead, Manchester United intercepted him halfway!
And a key player in the team, Mourinho’s absolute first-choice goalkeeper Cech from his first stint, switched sides to join London’s arch-enemy Arsenal due to family issues.
These three hits made Mourinho utterly enraged!
He immediately purchased the petite forward Pedro from Barcelona, Baba from Augsburg, and Begovic from Stek City.
Following that, talents like Kennedy, Hector, Stanislav, Bauer, all came seeking refuge.
Plus, key players from last season’s championship squad like Diego Costa, Fabregas, Hazard, Matic, Mikel, Terry, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta are all still around. You could say, this current Chelsea squad hasn’t lost its core, and has even strengthened in some positions!
In terms of personnel configuration, it’ll only be better than last season, not worse!
However, the general public does not believe Chelsea will retain the title.
As early as the beginning of the season, the bookmakers’ championship odds in the Premier League rated Manchester City first, Manchester United second, while the defending champion Chelsea only ranked third.
The media echoed the same sentiment, considering the transfer market, where the Manchester Giants made a transformative impact on European football this summer!
Manchester United set a record, spending over 100 million euros to bring in Serie A Golden Boot Icardi;
and once more spared no expense to acquire De Bruyne from Wolfsburg to partner him.
Manchester City, on their side, was equally relentless, securing Tang Long, Ranocchia, Sterling...
These are all renowned young players in European football, providing massive reinforcement across their three lines!
Perhaps it’s because the Manchester Giants’ new signings were much more famous than Chelsea’s acquisitions, so the bulk of media attention from the start of the season gravitated towards these two teams.
Always accustomed to basking in the spotlight and becoming the world’s focus, Mourinho seemed somewhat overshadowed.
So much so that as the season played into its 13th round, nearly halfway through, Mourinho’s appearances in the media were far less frequent than Pellegrini and Van Gaal!
However, the deeply strategic and cunning Mourinho wasn’t too anxious;
Hiding his light under a bushel, silently advancing, he was awaiting the emergence of an opportune moment.
Once that moment arrives, the restless and unconquerable Mourinho will surely call out, attracting all of England’s spotlight back onto himself!
Now, with Manchester City at the top, players on their three lines are suffering significant injuries, causing lengthy absences;
Plus, Mourinho knows that the obstinate Pellegrini is still adopting the original possession tactic, but it’s not yielding ideal results—Mourinho thinks Chelsea is ready to attack at the moment.
[Christmas Champion? Mourinho states Chelsea must fight for it!]
First, London-based media "The Times" launched a declaration supporting Mourinho.
"In the history of the Premier League, teams that clinch the Christmas championship have a great chance of ultimately winning the Premier League title!"
"The title of Christmas Champion is both an honor and a pressure."
"Jose Mourinho believes he can shoulder this responsibility and pressure. Perhaps, over time, many fans have forgotten how 10 years ago he arrogantly dubbed himself the most special one."
"Icardi paired with De Bruyne is strong; Tang Long paired with Agüero is equally strong. But as long as Mourinho is here, Chelsea will never fall out of the Premier League championship race!"
"No matter the result, Mourinho’s timely voice reminds us that the Premier League title is never solely between the Manchester Giants—don’t forget there’s also a Chelsea!" ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novelꞁire.net
[Without Agüero, Manchester City has become stagnant water!]
Subsequently, Tang Long’s former rival, the traditional right-wing conservative media "Daily Telegraph" revived!
"With Agüero, Manchester City can thrash same-city rival Manchester United 7-1 away."
"Without Agüero, Manchester City can’t even beat Swansea!"