Transfer Business
Mourinho largely solved the problems that were so ruthlessly exposed by Atletico by going out and raiding the Vicente Calderon, with three players who featured against the Blues in that semi-final set to start at Turf Moor on Monday evening. Diego Costa is perhaps the most significant capture, arriving on the back of a stunning season for Diego Simeone’s side – he should provide the physical presence and clinical finishing that Fernando Torres isn’t capable of. Left back Filipe Luis is a solid replacement for Ashley Cole, whilst goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ return to the club after three years out on loan is genuinely exciting.
Cesc Fabregas is also a huge capture for Mourinho, with his creativity alongside Matic giving him a midfield with far more balance and thrust than it had at any time last season. Overall, it is hard to pick fault with either Mourinho’s summer business or find a weakness within the squad that he has built, which is ever so slightly ominous for the other title contenders.