Jose Mourinho continues to be tipped to make a remarkable return to Chelsea.
It's nearly two decades since he first took over the Blues, running to consecutive league titles in the process while also setting records - some of which stand to this day. At 60, Mourinho is no longer the young, charming manager with a fresh book of ideas. That's exactly why some fans want him back.
With questions from outside Chelsea over Graham Potter's ability to motivate and manage a large group of players, Mourinho is the gold standard of man-management. Many believe that his methods are dated, though, and that times have changed.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly urged to make Jose Mourinho Chelsea return decision amid Graham Potter sack pressure
His bright spell at Roma so far, winning the Europa Conference League last season followed by genuine Champions League competition this season and a chance to still win the Europa League, has changed perceptions somewhat from the man that was in charge of Tottenham and Manchester United in the late 2010s.
Here, football.london rounds up the latest on a fairytale third stint in charge at Stamford Bridge
Roma uncertainty
Since emerging as a possible candidate to replace Potter, Mourinho was sent off in Tuesday's shock 2-1 defeat to Cremonese - Serie A's bottom side who were without a top flight win in 27 years until beating Roma. He appeared to be unhappy that referee Marco Piccinini did not award his side a foul and his protests were deemed too much.
Mourinho's red card means he has accumulated more, than any other player or coach in Serie A this season, three. "I am emotional, but not crazy," Mourinho said.
Todd Boehly enquiry
It is written in the Daily Mail that Mourinho is still open to a return to London and has even gone as far as making himself available to the new owners via his representatives.
Mourinho is reportedly growing frustrated at a lack of finances being made available to him in Italy.
Tipped for return
Former Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano - incidently three of Mourinho's teams - admitted that there was no chance the Portuguese boss moved anywhere but back to England. He said: "If Inzaghi were to be fired, I would rule out the return of Jose Mourinho.
"If an offer from the Premier League were to arrive, the Special One would choose England. The fans fell in love with his attitude (in Italy), but he intends to leave, and for me, he can only go back to Chelsea."
Meanwhile Glenn Johnson believes that the Special One could make all the difference to turning this team around, he told OLBG: "If he [Todd Boehly] replaced Potter, Jose Mourinho would walk through the door and get all the players' attention and they would be close to winning the league within three years.
"But Mourinho would not be sticking around in five years time, so it all depends on what the Chelsea owner's project is.
"If they want success instantly, then Mourinho is their man, but if they want to compete for the next 10 years, then Graham Potter is your man."
Roma stance
Much like he was at Chelsea, Mourinho was open with supporters and admitted that he had considered pastures new away from Italy already. "I could've left in December and didn’t, this is my life, every day there is a game," he said earlier this year.
"Sometimes it might seem as if we are struggling, but we are up there with all the others who are very strong."
It is also reported in La Gazzetta dello Sport that, should Roma finish outside of the top four in Serie A, he would be free to walk away from the job and into a new role elsewhere due to a clause in his contract.
What Mourinho has said
Ever the man to gain attention in public, Mourinho has not been quiet on his Chelsea past and potential future. Speaking last year he mentioned how things were going at SW6, saying, "If you ask me do I have somebody that I would love to take over from 'my Chelsea' let's say that, yes, but 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."
Outsider for the job
Despite Mourinho's connections to Chelsea he is still very much considered an outsider when it comes to the odds with him being fourth favourite at 6/1. In front of him is even former player John Terry, showing that a return is not seen as being imminent.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea press conference LIVE: Graham Potter on his future, Leeds, Kante, Pulisic, more
Two Chelsea undroppables given new roles as Graham Potter makes tactical decision to beat Leeds
Jose Mourinho to Chelsea latest: Dream return, Todd Boehly contact and Roma drama
Zinedine Zidane to Chelsea latest: Luis Enrique battle, France job decision, Boehly desire
Chelsea owners Clearlake Capital make announcement about takeover
