All eyes on Mourinho

LONDON. — Perhaps only Jose Mourinho could survive as Chelsea manager following a trophy-less season.
Surely another year of failure would stretch the patience of owner Roman Abramovich again.
When his six years in exile from Stamford Bridge ended last year, Mourinho could reasonably claim that time was required to rebuild the squad he inherited from the years of chaotic management.

Still, finishing just four points behind Manchester City in the title race showed that Chelsea was far from being a spent force.
Unexpected setbacks against lower-ranking sides denied Mourinho a third English Premier League success to add to the 2005 and 2006 titles, with an envied 78-match unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge ending.

A more clinical strike force was necessary. Diego Costa signed from Spanish champion Atletico Madrid — the Spaniard’s inability to score at the World Cup overlooked by Mourinho — and 36-year-old Didier Drogba re-joined two years after clinching the Champions League for Chelsea.

“Didier’s still the same. He’s been a nightmare to play against in training,” Chelsea captain John Terry said.
“He’s still physically strong, sharp and hungry as well.”

Spain striker Fernando Torres has survived at Chelsea despite more than three years or inconsistency and contributing just five league goals last season. But Romelu Lukaku was allowed to make his loan to Everton permanent despite confirming his goal scoring prowess with 15 in the last league campaign.— AFP.