Mou in the mood for love

By David Lee Wheatley

Chelsea greet returning hero

Yesterday's press conference with Chelsea manager José Mourinho was massively hyped-up all weekend, but what we found was a calm, collected and mature man currently experiencing a happy period in his life.

The 50-year-old was much more laid back than nine years ago when he first pitched up at Stamford Bridge to proclaim himself 'The Special One'. His demeanour suggests the Portuguese manager with the midas touch has finally found peace back at his second home after three turbulent seasons in charge of Real Madrid.

Mourinho's relationship with the Spanish media engendered a reciprocal feeling of intense mistrust and hatred in many cases. Very few in the press took to the experienced tactician and never allowed him off the hook throughout his whole tenure at the Bernabéu, some of which was brought on by the man himself.

Adversely, British journalists lapped up José's egotistical and forthright ways and will be glad to have him back in the Premier League after so long away from these shores.

Sport in general is starved of characters and the more outspoken individuals we have in the Premier League, the better. It's certainly going to be an interesting journey with Mourinho at the helm for the second time.

The former Inter supremo claimed five domestic trophies during his first spell in charge of the Blues and he'll be desperate to attach European glory to his Chelsea CV this time around.

His first and most important task, though, will be to overcome the two Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League, which will be no mean feat.

The Champions League obsession of the club that hung heavily around Mourinho's neck was exorcised in 2011 when Roberto Di Matteo led them to European glory. That should buy the twice European champion the time to reclaim the league title, while also attemping to fight on the European front.

Mourinho claimed yesterday that he's appreciative of the love Chelsea fans have for him for what he achieved in the past, but he wants to be loved for what he can deliver now on his return. If he can bring as much success as the last occasion he managed in England, then the fans and owner Roman Abramovich will undoutedly be pleased.

Mourinho expressed his only regret is that the new season can't begin immediately, so anxious is he to get on with the job. It's a sentiment many will share with 'The Special One' back in town.

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