Veterans from Jose Mourinho’s first spell in charge of Chelsea will not get preferential treatment now he is back at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech were all crucial components in the club’s success in the Portuguese’s previous three-year reign between 2004 and 2007, in which Chelsea won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.
However, speaking publicly for the first time since his return to English football on Monday, Mourinho dismissed any suggestion that these club legends will be favoured when it comes to selecting his new side.
“Of course there are still a few boys from my time, which is always good to go back and to see these people that gave absolutely everything to me when I was here,” the 50-year-old said.
“But it’s important to tell you, not them because they know, but there is no privilege for them, they know already because they know my nature. They do not have an advantage over other people.”
There has been particular speculation over the future of club captain Terry in recent months, after the centre-back failed to establish himself in the first-choice line-up of Mourinho’s predecessor, interim manager Rafael Benitez.
However, despite pledging that no-one is deemed indispensable in the squad, Mourinho hinted that he is willing to give the former England skipper the chance to force himself back into contention.
“One of my qualities is that when I leave a club I do not like to speak about the club. And when I arrive, I do not like to speak about what was before me, so I will not speak about Benitez’s decision,” he stated.
“What I can say and speak (about) is (my intention) to meet John in the first week of July, try to get the best out of him.
“I know what he can give. Let’s try to get the best and try to make him again to be an important player that he could not be last season.”
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