It has been just over a year since former Blues’ striker Kalou left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer to French outfit Lille but a lot has changed in terms of personnel at the club. Chelsea have given emphasis to young talented players in order to build a bright future and have brought in the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Andre Schurrle, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne amongst others.
Since their historic Champions League win last May, the likes of Didier Drogba, Jose Bosingwa and Florent Malouda have all moved on, while players on the wrong side of 30, Frank Lampard and John Terry, are also being marginalised. However, one of the most important personnel changes that took place has to be the return of Jose Mourinho this summer.
The 50-year-old self-styled ‘Special One’ is Chelsea’s most successful manager to date and his return can only galvanise the players to outdo themselves. Mourinho won six titles during his first stint as Blues manager and his man-management skills coupled with his dynamic personality, and tactical acumen were key to Chelsea enjoying so much success under him.
According to ESPN, Kalou believe Chelsea needed Mourinho to come back in order to bring team spirit and stability to Stamford Bridge. He said, “We all know what Jose can do. Jose can bring team spirit into a club and I think Chelsea at this moment need that. The only one who can bring this to Chelsea is Jose. I am happy that he is back because Chelsea did amazingly well to win all of the trophies they have done but the only one who can bring [success to the club again] is Jose.”
He added, “He is honest. As a coach, being honest is not always easy but he is able to gain the respect of all of his players because he is always honest. It doesn’t matter if you’re a big name or a small name.”
“He also has a tactical mind which means he can bring change around during a game. Those are his key skills. I only spent one season with him but I learnt as much from him in one season as throughout my whole Chelsea career.”
“I enjoyed all of [my coaches at Chelsea], and every one of them was different but I have to say Jose [was the best] as he brought me to the club. I learnt the basics with him and that has helped me every season since.”
It has been three seasons since the Blues’ last won the league under then coach Carlo Ancelotti but Kalou believes that the Europa League winners are among the favourites to lift the trophy for the third time under Mourinho.
On being asked whether Chelsea can win the title, Kalou replied: “Yes, They are always going to be among the favourites because they have the coach, they have the team, they have the ability and they know how to win. Those are the things that are going to count in the title race.”