Mourinho sees the funny side

JOSE MOURINHO’S chiselled features were swathed in storm clouds for so much of last season, it seemed impossible the sun would ever come out again.

The memories of boardroom spats, overloaded treatment tables and, most damagingly, lost titles are not easily banished, but a 10-week break and the challenge of hoisting Chelsea back to the summit of English football have proved timely tonics.

Mourinho has re-emerged for the most eagerly anticipated domesticseason in years refreshed, reinvigorated and with his appetite restored.