Andre Villas-Boas's ex-employer at Porto, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, believes the young Portuguese manager was wrong to move to Chelsea.
Villas-Boas has had a difficult beginning to his career in west London as Chelsea have struggled to match the results of recent years.
They currently sit fifth in the Premier League and outside the Champions League qualification places.
And after just one season at Porto, Pinto da Costa believes it was too soon for the 34-year-old to try his hand in England.
"Villas-Boas went because of the huge offer Chelsea made (€15 million)," Pinto da Costa told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The other thing that weighed heavily was the difficulties he had in emulating Mourinho's Champions League victory in 2004.
"He left thinking that Chelsea was a unique opportunity, but I believe that was a mistake because there would have been others."
Podolski was also targeted by Arsenal during the January transfer window but, with his contract expiring next year, the expectation is that he will be available at the end of the season for about £16 million.
Mourinho, currently in charge at Real Madrid and on course to beat rivals Barcelona to the La Liga title, is keen on a return to England, having enjoyed such a successful spell at Chelsea.
Giggs was persuaded to keep faith with his ageing limbs and the end result is a path that is now leading towards the remarkable milestone of 1,000 competitive appearances for club and country.
The players were hauled in after they were told their scheduled day off had been cancelled immediately after the 2-0 away defeat to Everton which saw Chelsea slip to fifth in the Premier League table.
