Jose Mourinho comments on return speak volumes as Chelsea hunt for boss
Jose Mourinho's comments about a return to the Premier League are doing the rounds again after Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino parted ways.
Pochettino became the fourth manager in two years to leave the West Londoners, despite guiding the Blues into the top six. His exit means the Blues' ownership are now on the lookout for the fourth permanent boss of their Stamford Bridge reign.
An eight-person managerial shortlist including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly been drawn up. Mourinho has been without a job since he was sacked by Roma in January.
Considering his previous comments, a return to the division he has won three times would likely be of interest to him.
In March, the Telegraph claimed Mourinho is keen on a return to the Premier League. He was linked with the Newcastle United job at a time when incumbent Magpies' boss Eddie Howe was experiencing a sticky period of form.
The report claimed Mourinho would "love" a return to the Premier League if a role was to become available. Howe did manage to turn Newcastle's fortunes around by guiding them to seventh position.
If Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, the Toon will qualify for next season's Europa Conference League. It's understood Mourinho has already rejected roles based in ultra-rich Saudi Arabia since his departure from Roma.
Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea parted ways just days after the season ended
Despite the Portuguese boss' brief stint with Chelsea's fiercest rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Mourinho has made it clear that he still loves the club. In a previous interview with Sky Sports, he said: "If you ask me, do I have somebody that I would love to take over from 'my Chelsea' let's say that, yes, I have but I close my mouth.
"The club reached such a level that it doesn't matter who it's with but Chelsea will always be Chelsea. Chelsea will always be big and my house will always be 200 metres away from the stadium.
"So I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success. I'm pretty sure it's going to be like that."
While the club have been linked with many managerial candidates, Mourinho is yet to have been mentioned as a potential suitor. It's also understood the club are looking to appoint a younger, more progressive manager who can play an attractive, possession-based game.
Thomas Tuchel, another former Blues manager, is also understood to not be in contention, despite also being available. The German departed Bayern Munich after finishing third in the Bundesliga, 18 points behind Xabi Alonso's imperious Bayer Leverkusen side.
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