TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand believes there is “no chance” that Chelsea’s owners would appoint Jose Mourinho as manager for a third time.

The Blues legend, who recently lost his job at Roma, won three Premier League titles in his first two spells at Stamford Bridge but, when asked about a potential return, Ferdinand said he can’t see it happening:

“Mourinho to Chelsea? No chance. Americans don’t go backwards like that… I would love to see Jose back there I’ve got to be honest, me personally. Jose, please. I hope you get the job if Pochettino doesn’t do well.”

“I think they are going to stay with Pochettino. I think they think it’s a project, long-term. He needs that time and a bit of grace.”

Mourinho’s record as Chelsea manager

The former Manchester United and Tottenham manager won 67% of his 185 games in charge during his first stint with the Blues between 2004 and 2007, winning six major trophies.

Mourinho was reappointed back in the summer of 2013. He won fewer matches (58%) but he still won the Premier League title and the League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.

What are the odds of Pochettino being sacked?

A lot could depend on what happens in the next few weeks. Chelsea take on Middlesbrough in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening. If the Blues crash out of the competition, it will put more pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.

They also take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night. It will not be an easy game, and there is a possibility that Pochettino’s side could be eliminated from two tournaments in the space of a few days.

The hope, of course, is that they progress through to the League Cup final, which takes place at the end of February, and make it past Villa too.