By GAVIN GLICKSMAN
Despite leading the Blues to a cup double in 2006/07, the Special One was sacked in September 2007 after a slow start to the season.
His relationship with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich had deteriorated and Avram Grant was placed in charge following the Portuguese coach’s departure.
But with Grant and a host managers failing to satisfy Abramovich’s thirst for the elusive combination of attacking football and consistent success, it appears Mourinho is back in favour with the trigger-happy Russian.
And Wrighty believes Chelsea will kick themselves if they fail to land the Real Madrid boss when interim manager Rafa Benitez leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.
He told SunSport: “I can’t see any other time that would be as good for Mourinho to go back to Chelsea.
“The place looks like it needs a new impetus and I think he’s the man to do it. The fans simply wouldn’t want anyone else.
“When you look at the current situation, Mourinho appears to be leaving Madrid and Chelsea have got an interim manager who’s going to leave, so it’s the natural fit.
“If it doesn’t happen now, I don’t think it ever will.
“Personally, I’d love him to come back to Chelsea. They fit each other perfectly and Chelsea will be a real force again if he gets the players he wants.”
With tensions between the duo cooling in previous years, Wrighty reckons Abramovich is ready to release his grip on team affairs and give Mourinho the control he craves.
The Arsenal legend added: “If he does come back, I think he’ll have those assurances. Why would you come back when somebody is still going to wield that kind of power over your head?
“I’m sure it will be under the proviso that [Abramovich interfering] won’t happen, otherwise it’s not going to work again.”
If Mourinho does return for a second spell in charge, the safe money is likely to be on Frank Lampard extending his stay at the Bridge.
Lampard’s contract expires at the end of the season and the 34-year-old currently appears to be heading for the exit door.
LA Galaxy are keen to tempt the veteran England midfielder to the MLS but Wright believes Mourinho will force the Blues to sign him up.
He added: “I think he will stay. Like I’ve said on so many occasions, Frank is a fantastic professional to have around your club.
“He’s an inspirational character and everything you want about a professional at the minute, Frank has it.
“I find it very strange that Chelsea didn’t sign him up before it got to the stage where he’s now thinking about moving on. Why wouldn’t you sign a player of that calibre who’s ready to go again?
“You want young professionals to be looking at someone like him — Frank has done everything within the game at club level.
“I believe Frank will stay if Mourinho comes back, but I can see him going if he doesn’t.”
