What Tactical Changes Would Jose Mourinho Make at Chelsea Next Season?

Jose Mourinho has completed the least surprising transfer of the summer window by returning to Chelsea, according to Rob Beasley of The Sun.

He brings renewed optimism and hope to Stamford Bridge, as the fans receive their No. 1 choice and one of the greatest media circuses in recent history now comes to a close.

He's famed for his stubborn yet ruthlessly effective, man-management skills, but what can Mourinho bring to the club in a tactical sense?

Provided he can work under Roman Abramovich, he's walking into one of the most appealing jobs in world football right now: a deep squad full of young hungry talent, an adoring fanbase and UEFA Champions League secured for next season.

After the side finished the season so strongly under Rafa Benitez despite playing on multiple fronts, what tactical changes are even necessary?

The system, on paper, should be similar. Mou used a 4-2-3-1 at Internazionale and Real Madrid, clearing favouring the formation for its duality and versatility.

Benitez used a 4-2-3-1 in the large majority of games last season, so the players are all educated in the (rather basic) system. This should help the new coach hit the ground running with ease, and only positional tweaks would likely be needed.

Perhaps the most intriguing question surrounding the impending appointment is who will be Mourinho's talisman. The first time at the Bridge, he had Didier Drogba, and since then he has leaned on the likes of Diego Milito and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Matt Law of The Mirror reports that Chelsea have asked Manchester United to name their price for Wayne Rooney, and that he will be the man Mou ingrains into the fabric of the team.

Failing a transfer, there's a strong chance Mou could unlock the consistent value of Eden Hazard, who now has one year of English Premier League experience under his belt.

He's the most exciting player on the roster and has the explosive ability to make things happen—shooting from distance, beating three men or pulling off the surgical pass.

Juan Mata has been the saviour of Chelsea for the past season or so, and while his efforts from the No. 10 position are not expected to diminish, this could be the season that Hazard becomes a top-eight player in world football.

Mourinho loves a midfielder who can break off a long run up field, and David Luiz could see increased time in the centre of the park. Frank Lampard's role is an interesting one, and where he plays could depend on the opposition.

Cesar Azpilicueta is the right-back whom Mou will have dreamed of at Madrid, and it'll be interesting to see if he addresses the left-back position.

It's a summer of questions for Chelsea, but the first one has been answered: Mourinho will be the manager, so what formation do you expect him to run?

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