Jose Mourinho makes final Chelsea return decision as new job confirmed

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new head coach of Fenerbahce.

The 61-year-old left Roma in January and has been linked with a Premier League return in the months since. He was tentatively connected with an audacious return to Stamford Bridge at one stage, especially in light of Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.

He was also mooted to have attained interest from Saudi Pro League clubs but has instead decided to take on a challenge in Turkey. Fenerbahce have shown the door to current manager Ismail Kartal after the club lost out on the Turkish title to rivals Galatasaray by three points.

Mourinho‘s appointment means he has now managed in five countries, having also led clubs in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. Fenerbahce become the tenth side he has managed in his career, holding stints at Premier League outfits Chelsea (twice), Tottenham and Manchester United on his CV.

His appointment in Turkey means he will, of course, not be returning to Chelsea in the near future for a third stint. Todd Boehly has meanwhile held talks with Leicester over Enzo Maresca, who looks set to become the new head coach.

His arrival would come only a year after stepping into senior management, having previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. This comes amid former interest Kieran McKenna penning a fresh deal with Ipswich Town on Thursday.

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“It’s part and parcel of success, there’s been interest from other clubs and it’s a short career as a manager,” said McKenna upon his renewal. “It’s right to consider things but I’m so, so happy with the decision I’ve made.”

Both Maresca and McKenna – himself only on his first senior management job – achieved automatic promotion from the Championship with their respective teams last season.