Former Chelsea manager and club legend Jose Mourinho has been relieved of his duties at Serie A side Roma after a tenure of almost three years at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 60-year-old ssumed the managerial role in May 2021, shortly after his dismissal from Tottenham Hotspur. During his tenure, he guided Roma to the Europa Conference League title in 2022 and the Europa League final in 2023. However, the team's current position, sitting five points away from Champions League qualifying spots in Serie A, led to the decision to part ways with the 'Special One.'
Known for comparing himself to Harry Potter during his time at the club, Mourinho hinted that the high expectations associated with his profile might have exceeded Roma's reality. Owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin expressed gratitude for his 'passion and commitment' but emphasized the need for immediate change in the best interests of the club.
Recent speculation linked Mourinho to a potential return to Chelsea following the departure of Graham Potter and before the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. Reports suggested that Todd Boehly reached out to Mourinho, but the Portuguese manager declined discussions, expressing contentment at AS Roma.
With Pochettino still seeking consistency at Stamford Bridge, the links to Chelsea have resurfaced after Mourinho's departure. Despite the Blues' recent successes, Pochettino faces scrutiny, with performances deemed unconvincing at times.
Mourinho, who managed Chelsea from 2004-2007 and 2013-2015, remains open to the possibility of a third stint at the club. In the past, he acknowledged the club's ability to thrive independently and expressed a deep connection to Chelsea, emphasizing its enduring success and his personal proximity to the stadium.
"Of course, my English connection is Chelsea, that's the way I see things, as a Chelsea man after two periods of Chelsea and six years," the Portuguese told BT Sport (via London World) at the end of last season before Pochettino arrived at Stamford Bridge.
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