Chelsea ‘have to consider’ re-appointing Jose Mourinho should they decide to relieve Graham Potter of his duties at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mourinho keen to return

The Premier League hierarchy have been sounding out potential successors for the Blues boss, who is under pressure having secured just one victory throughout the whole of 2023, and a couple of names have already been doing the rounds.

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly turned down an approach from SW6, with Zinedine Zidane the latest free agent to have been linked, the latter being a figure the board are ‘keen' on.

The AS Roma boss, however, is claimed to have been the subject of an offer from the capital, with Simon Phillips revealing that he would be keen to stage a comeback.

The Latest: Jones’ verdict

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Chelsea need to target a manager who’s been around the block a few times and name-checked Mourinho as a potential candidate. He said:

“So, I think a squad like this needs to be managed by someone with big experience, but also someone who's got some ego.

“I think you have to be looking at and considering people from the very top of the trade here like Luis Enrique, Jose Mourinho. I know it sounds stupid, but yes, you have to consider him.”

The Verdict: Risk worth taking

Chelsea or any club for that matter bringing back one of their former managers is always a huge risk, but Mourinho being put back at the helm would surely be one worth taking.

The Portuguese maverick had an excellent record during his stints at the Bridge, winning 204, drawing 65 and losing just 51 of 320 total games in charge, averaging 2.12 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Roma coach also knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level having got his hands on an astonishing 39 trophies throughout his career, so would definitely be able to manager the major expectations associated with Chelsea's spending.

Mourinho has been dubbed a ‘legend’ of the game by talent scout Jacek Kulig so he could well be someone that the Blues think about should Potter be sent packing.