Jose Mourinho hits out at 'crazy' Chelsea spending ahead of Stamford Bridge return | OneFootball

The Portuguese feels the club has lost its winning DNA

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Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea have lost their way under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s ownership.

He enjoyed two trophy-laden spells with Chelsea earlier in his career, but feels the club has lost its winning DNA since Roman Abramovich sold up in 2022.

“Chelsea was a winning machine. Every season, Chelsea was winning.

“Then there was a big change with crazy investment and a period of a few years where it looked like they lost direction, with too many players, too many millions, accumulation of players and a team without a clear philosophy.”

He continued, saying the club’s perceived decline was difficult to watch: “For a couple of years, it was hard. For one that loves the club, it was hard.”

Jose Mourinho guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles

AFP via Getty Images

Mourinho is optimistic, though, that they can build on success in the Conference League and Club World Cup, saying the titles should prove a sturdy foundation from which to build.

“Even the Conference League is a fantastic competition for a team like that to win. It gives you that first cup and the philosophy and the culture of the club for winning.”

While he feels the Chelsea squad is somewhat bloated, Mourinho did acknowledge that their depth gives them a leg up.

As such, he thinks they will get by in Cole Palmer’s absence, but he is still pleased the forward will be unavailable to face Benfica: “I’m happy with that. He’s a phenomenal player.

“But I think they have a good team, in a way that if Cole Palmer doesn't play, it's not a problem for them.”