7 managers who were hired by and left the same club twice

Whether it be by virtue of a scathing dismissal or mutual consent, a manager parting company with a football club is always bound to snatch at a few headlines. Clubs may be lambasted for showing a lack of loyalty or managers may come under fire for losing squad morale so easily, but it’s always a controversial event.

Regardless of the circumstances, when a manager leaves a club, it can be difficult to settle down and look for the next opportunity. Walking through the doors of another club can be strange and exciting but one phenomenon that is especially eyebrow-raising is a return to a former club. For most, the thought of walking back through the doors of a club that they previously bid farewell to is beyond laughable yet others have done exactly that.

Many, in fact, have left a club, only to return at a later point in their career and then leave again under similar circumstances. It sounds inconceivable but it’s all too true.

Here’s a look over a select five individuals who have done exactly this.

1. José Mourinho – Chelsea

The first name that springs to mind when pondering these unusual circumstances is undoubtedly Jose Mourinho. Having secured domestic football’s greatest prize in the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, the Portuguese made the switch to Stamford Bridge later that summer.

Dubbing himself as “the special one” not long after strolling into the London club’s dugout, Mourinho’s magic was immediately apparent after he led the Blues to their first top-flight domestic title in 50 years in his first full season. A trophy haul followed, which included another Premier League title, one FA Cup victory and three League Cups.

A poor start to the 2007/08 season coupled with a rumoured quarrel with Roman Abramovich and Mourinho was given the axe. In his time away, the club sought success in domestic and European competition, while Mourinho would himself lift the prestigious Champions League again, this time with Inter Milan.

After a less than impressive spell with Real Madrid, José returned to ‘the Bridge’. After leading Chelsea again to the Premier League title in his second year in charge, all hell broke loose a year later. His second spell would end in far worse circumstances.

The Portugues manager failed to complete his third season as following nine defeats in their opening 16 league matches into the campaign, Mourinho was shown an all-too-familiar exit door.