Bayern boss claims Mourinho was not Chelsea’s first choice

Matt Stead

Jupp Heynckes has suggested that Chelsea approached him with regards to becoming manager before they appointed Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea brought Mourinho back for a second spell as manager at Stamford Bridge in 2013, with the Portuguese winning the title in his second season before being sacked in December 2015.

The Blues appointed Mourinho as manager in summer 2013 as the full-time replacement for Roberto di Matteo, who had been fired in November 2012.

Rafael Benitez took charge in the interim before Mourinho left Real to return to London.

But Heynckes claims that Chelsea wanted him before they approached Mourinho.

The 72-year-old retired from management in 2013 after helping Bayern to the Treble, and only returned this season to help replace the sacked Carlo Ancelotti.

“Roman Abramovich wanted to visit my home. I said – no thanks. I am done,” Heynckes told FAZ on Sunday.

“PSG’s boss wanted to bring his whole entourage, including his chefs, to cook at my farmhouse. I didn’t want that either.”