Jose Mourinho tipped as favourite to become new Chelsea manager for a third spell

Chelsea are being linked with a sensational return for former boss Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea are being linked with a sensational return for former boss Jose Mourinho. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho has emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to take over at Chelsea.

The 61-year-old left Roma earlier this year after leading the Italian outfit to the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 and remains one of the most decorated managers of all time.

Mauricio Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent earlier this week after less than 12 months in charge.

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Mourinho's odds have come down from as high as 40/1 to now just 4/1 with popular bookies Ladbrokes and Coral.

It remains to be seen whether 'The Special One' will return for a third stint in the capital, with Kieran McKenna also hotly tipped to take over.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town over the past two years and is now looking forward to the Tractor Boys' first spell in the top flight for over 20 years.

Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is priced currently at just 2/1 too and Roberto De Zerbi's name also continues to crop up.

Enzo Maresca, the Leicester City manager, issues instructions during the pre season friendly match between Northampton Town and Leicester City at Sixfields on July 15, 2023 in Northampton, England

Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Rumours have also circled as to whether Mourinho could head back to Manchester United, with the future of Erik ten Hag still up in the air.

The former Real Madrid boss has kept fairly cryptic on his future but insists he himself would never say never when it came to a job back in his homeland.

Mourinho told reporters while attending Moto GP's Portuguese Grand Prix earlier this year that: "[I have] zero news. I don't have a club, I'm free. But I want to work, in the summer I want to work."

He added: "Never say no, especially in football. My life is football. I can train anywhere and I have no problems."

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Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.