Shevchenko once again the harbinger of doom for Jose Mourinho -- report

It would perhaps be the most fitting end of Jose Mourinho, to once again involve a certain Andriy Shevchenko.

Once the best striker in the world, Shevchenko's arrival back in 2006 was Mourinho Mk.I's harbinger of doom, an unwanted player past his best sicced upon an unsuspecting manager by an overbearing owner.  Or something along those lines.  The actual reality I'm sure is something less stark and obvious, but Shevchenko's arrival is often seen as the beginning of the end for Jose Mourinho's first reign at Chelsea.

Now, as the sightings of the retired player increase at Stamford Bridge, some are suspecting that something interesting is afoot behind the scenes.

[Shevchenko] has maintained a presence around the ground, and perhaps an official role within the club could be next. [Abramovich] has come to count on Shevchenko [as an advisor], who can be seen regularly attending matches alongside the Russian boss.

-source: Gianluca Di Marzio

We're familiar with the Oracle of Di Marzio when it comes to transfer rumors.  How good is he with manager rumors?  I suppose we'll find out.

Shevchenko isn't supposed to directly replace Mourinho.  That honor might go to Marcelo Lippi instead, though the legendary Juventus and Italy national football team manager had recently said he was not ready for Chelsea.

Additionally, the name of Marcello Lippi has been spoken when it comes to those who might potentially replace Mourinho, should he be given the sack. That could be Shevchenko's call, since it's possible that he will soon find himself in a director's role with Chelsea.

-source: Gianluca Di Marzio

Should Shevchenko shimmy his way into a decision-making role at Chelsea, that wouldn't necessarily mean the end of Mourinho.  Sheva could be advising Abramovich to keep The Special One after all.  But the sacking stories would be half-written already.