There has been a massive gap between expectation and reality regarding the return of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Everyone associated with the club who were hopeful of seeing them immediately rise to prominence once again have been a little disappointed so far.

The London outfit were looking settled in midfield last season, as a certain Spaniard called Juan Mata pulled the strings with aplomb, dictating play from midfield on his way to achieving the Player of the Year award on successive occasions. He has been relegated to the bench by Mourinho this season; and a certain disagreement between the Portugese manager and Ashley Cole has also seen the veteran fall down the order. He has also reinstated his old rearguard of John Terry at the heart of defense, which has ironically seen them ship more goals than ever.

The Mourinho of 2004 lost six matches all season, whereas the Mourinho of this season has already lost seven even before the mid-way mark. The strikers at the club are another concern altogether. They put in another dismal performance as they went out against Sunderland in the League Cup. There are reports of Chelsea turning their attention to Atletico Madrid’s red hot Diego Costa after losing patience with the flops currently at the club, according to the Daily Mail.

Another player creating problems is Eden Hazard, who seems to have a poor attitude about him, given his recent exploits for the team. His half-hearted attempts in training seems to have got the attention of Mourinho in the wrong way.

There are several individual issues which need to be dealt with at the earliest possible time. Is the end nearing for the likes of Juan Mata and Ashley Cole? What’s next for the strikers at the club? Will Chelsea splash on Costa? January could be a highly interesting and crucial month for the blue half of London.