In the last couple of weeks, José Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini were officially appointed managers of Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. The worst kept secrets in the Premier League this summer were eventually revealed to nobody’s surprise. But what changes will the two new appointments bring to the two “Blues”?
It is predictable that Mourinho won’t shuffle the squad extensively like he did in his first stint. The difference between the team in 2004 and the current squad is that they are now a winning team. Apart from the highly rated German winger André Schürrle, Mourihno will only have one or two marquee signings this summer. The most likely position is central forward with Chelsea now looking beyond the misfiring Fernando Torres. Edinson Cavani’s transfer seems imminent with Italian sources reporting Chelsea is willing to splash £49 million to secure the prolific Uruguayan from Napoli.
Cavani is the top target of new Chelsea manager José Mourinho
Pellegrini is currently on holidays until 24 June but even though the Chilean hasn’t officially been unveiled as the new manager at Etihad Stadium, he has already secured the signatures of Spanish winger Jesús Navas and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. His has two other major targets are Malaga’s Isco and Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski. Isco’s coming of age is largely down to Pellegrini’s efforts, with the European Golden Boy having referred to the Chilean as his “football father” when the pair were at Malaga together. However, City face tough opposition from Real Madrid who will use the charisma of legend Zinedine Zidane in their attempts to lure him to the footballing giants. Both deals, worth around £30 million, are now on the table so the choice is down to the player.
Will the new European Golden Boy follow Pellegrini’s footprint to Manchester?
Both City and Chelsea spent huge in recent transfer windows so even without major new signings they are still serious title contenders if under the right management. The Blue Moon has a relatively larger squad with some aged local players unwanted. Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and even James Milner will wonder where their future sits under the new manager.
