One assistant coach out, one assistant coach in for Jose Mourinho

Throughout all the major stops in his coaching career so far, in Portugal, Italy, Spain, and England, Jose Mourinho has been accompanied by a core team of assistant coaches.  Many others have come and gone (including boy scout Andre Villas-Boas), but the trio of Rui Faria, Silvino Louro, and Jose Morais have been near constants in his staff.

Coaching Staff, assemble!

Morais did skip the first Chelsea stint to try his own hand at management; while he returned to the fold in 2009, it looks like he's got the itch once again and has taken a "sabbatical" to have one thousand and one adventures in Saudi Arabia.  This must have actually happened at least a few weeks ago, as Morais and Al-Shabab have already won a trophy, defeating Al-Nassr on penalty kicks to claim the 2014 Saudi Super Cup.

James Melbourne, head of analysis and opposition scouting, will assume Morais's duties in that regard as well and continue working alongside the two McGivens, Mick and Paul.

So Mourinho's losing one assistant coach (we did have an overabundance of them last season with four, Steve Holland completing the set), but is gaining one "assistant first-team fitness coach."  After six years at Real Madrid, Carlos Lalin has decided to re-join Mourinho's staff.  Apparently he's somewhat of an expert at player fitness and injury prevention.  Sounds useful!