In the two years since he departed Stamford Bridge, much has changed. We’ve seen Chelsea crowned Premier League champions only to crash spectacularly in their defence of the title the following season. Systems have been altered, and the complexion of the club taking on a whole new look.
Despite all that, Chelsea are still lacking the soul that made them English football’s pre-eminent club of the 2000s. They’ve lost Didier Drogba; they’ve lost Petr Cech; Jose Mourinho’s legend has been diluted; and come the end of this season, it’s likely John Terry will join the list of absent heroes.