The seven biggest mistakes made by José Mourinho at Chelsea
JUAN MATA – The Spaniard was acquired by the Blues for € 26 million before Mourinho’s arrival. The Special One regularly preferred Hazard, Oscar and Willian over him, agreeing on his sale to Manchester United for € 44 million. They are going to meet at the Old Trafford again next season.
DAVID LUIZ – Never considered a key player by Mou, David Luiz was sold to PSG for € 50 million in 2014, but no one has ever shown to be good enough to fill the Brazilian defender’s boots at the Stamford Bridge since then.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – Probably Mourinho’s biggest regret. The Portguese manager did not lose any sleep over the Belgium International’s € 22-million sale to Wolfsburg in 2014, though the Red Devils’ biggest rivals Manchester City acquired De Bruyne one year later for € 74 million. The manager and the player were also not on good terms in South-West London as De Bruyne has recently accused Mourinho of not believing in him during his time at Chelsea.
FILIPE LUIS – He replaced Ashley Cole in 2014 after completing a € 20 million move from Atletico Madrid. Spain International Cesar Azpilicueta was regularly playing instead of the Brazilian defender who moved back to the Calderon last summer. He will start in the Champions League final next Saturday.
MOHAMMED SALAH – The former Basel star could only score two goals in 13 appearances before moving on a loan deal to Fiorentina and AS Roma (on a permanent deal). Mourinho did not confirm the Egypt International despite a very positive six-month loan spell at the Franchi, selling him to the giallorossi in the summer.
RADAMEL FALCAO – Everything went bad for the Colombian striker during his two-year spell in the Premier League. He failed to live up to expectations both with Chelsea and Manchester United also due to a huge number of injuries.
JUAN CUADRADO – Another Colombian player who did not shine under the Special One in London, but who has been proving his talent somewhere else, namely at the J Stadium with Juventus. Antonio Conte will welcome him back at the Stamford Bridge after he played a vital role in helping the Old Lady to win two domestic titles this season.
CM.com staff, translated by Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto
