There was always going to be a sense of anti-climax when Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea was finally confirmed.

One of the worst kept secrets of the season, it seemed almost inevitable that the self-styled Special One would be heading to Stamford Bridge once David Moyes was confirmed as Alex Ferguson’s replacement as Manchester United manager.

Unsurprisingly Mourinho has again chosen a team with plenty of financial backing.

But that does not mean that he does not face challenges as he inherits a squad that is weaker than the one he left four years ago.

Chelsea are currently midway through the development of a new cycle which places greater emphasis on possession, compared to the solidity and pragmatism of Mourinho’s time at the club.

That makes his appointment all the more interesting given that his approach clashes slightly with the creativity and flair that Roman Abramovich craves almost as much as trophies.

Defence

Mourinho’s default setting of pragmatism has put David Luiz’ in a vulnerable position according to the papers since he appears to be the defensive antithesis to pragmatism.

But that ignores the fact that the Brazilian has also been integrated into a midfield role at times which Mourinho may favour seeing as he normally prefers solid centre-halves who protect first and keep creativity at a minimum.

Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic provide good options but identifying another solid centre-half signing will be a priority given that John Terry is a fading force.

Once a favourite under Mourinho, the ex-England captain has been linked with an exit after becoming an increasingly marginal figure under Rafa Benitez.

The Chelsea captain’s age and injury record stands against him, but Mourinho may see him as a key ally, conduit and leader within the dressing room, even if he is not a regular starter.

The same applies less stringently to Ashley Cole who turns 33 at the end of the year and has been carrying a long-term ankle problem. That makes a move for Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao a possibility if the manager lacks the patience to develop Ryan Bertrand into a long-term successor.

Midfield

In midfield, Frank Lampard’s new contract would have met with Mourinho’s approval but he will also look to bolster what can be termed as Chelsea’s weakest sector of the field.

Michael Essien who served well under his long-time boss on loan at Real Madrid will surely return and play a key role as a versatile midfielder and right-back.

The energetic Ramires is likely to be given a key role but John Obi Mikel has been linked with a move away despite his reasonable form.

Mourinho may look to bring in a deep-lying playmaker like Xabi Alonso to provide greater control than the Nigerian can provide. A player in the Alonso mould would allow Chelsea to be much more potent in the transition between defence and attack, something Mourinho has always valued throughout his management career.

But further forward is where the real intrigue lies. Will Mourinho accede to regularly starting with the Three Amigos Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard.

The latter duo seem odds on to be starters but Mourinho’s pragmatism puts a regular starting spot for the Brazil international in doubt.

Forwards

And up front, the manager is unlikely to rely on Fernando Torres as the Spaniard struggles to recapture the form that made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe.

Demba Ba has done well since arriving at Stamford Bridge but Mourinho is unlikely to view him as the man to lead Chelsea in the Champions League, while Romelu Lukaku seems hell bent on securing another loan deal despite his billing as the “new Drogba”. That makes a move for a world class striker a priority with options including Napoli's Edinson Cavani.