Speculation over Mourinho’s future continues

Claude Makelele could return to Chelsea to work under Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian is re-appointed as manager, the Daily Mail say.

Ancelotti, who was sacked by the club in 2011, has been touted as a possible replacement if Jose Mourinho is axed.

Former Blues midfielder Makelele was part of Ancelotti’s coaching staff when they were at Paris St-Germain and the Mail say the duo could come back to Stamford Bridge as a managerial ‘dream team’. 

Amid continued speculation over Mourinho’s future, the Daily Star say his job is safe because he still has the backing of Chelsea fans but will be sacked if that changes.

The Star also describe Cesc Fabregas as “the leader of a mini-revolt at Chelsea” following claims by columnist ‘The Secret Footballer’ that the Spaniard wants Mourinho out.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claims former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, currently in charge at Inter Milan, would be a contender to replace Mourinho.

And The Times reports that the terms of Mourinho’s Chelsea contract mean he would be able to work for another English club if he leaves the Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror, apparently with the help of a lip reader, follow up on a discussion Mourinho held with his backroom team on the pitch after Saturday’s defeat against Liverpool.

Reportedly referring to this weekend’s trip to Stoke, Mourinho is said to have warned: “We need to get it, the next one it’s really … make sure … must not lose that one next week.”

Speculation also continues over the future of Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who has been linked with Real Madrid.

The Mail claim Real are worried that Chelsea will demand in excess of the world-record £85m the Spanish club paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.

And Metro continue to pick up on stories published by the Spanish transfer-gossip website Fichajes, which now claims Chelsea are lining up a deal to sign midfielder Franco Vazquez, 26, from Palermo.