Former Chelsea boss brings Benfica to London but insists sentiment will not affect his job
Jose Mourinho says he “will always be a Blue” as he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night with Benfica in the Champions League.
The 62-year-old Portuguese coach, who led Chelsea to seven trophies across two spells, acknowledged his deep affection for the club but stressed his only focus will be on Benfica’s performance.
A legacy etched in Chelsea history
Mourinho first arrived at Chelsea in 2004, famously dubbing himself the “Special One.” Over his two stints, he won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cups, cementing himself as one of the club’s most influential managers.
“They are part of my history. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea, and they helped me to become a bigger Jose,” Mourinho said. “It will be my Chelsea before the start of the game and after the game, but during the game it’s my Benfica.”
A new chapter at Benfica
Mourinho rejoined Benfica this month, the club where his managerial career began back in 2000. He has started with two wins and a draw in his opening three games.
His return to Lisbon came after a short-lived spell at Fenerbahce ended with his dismissal in August, just two days after losing a Champions League play-off to Benfica. Ironically, he now leads them in Europe’s elite competition following Bruno Lage’s sacking.
Despite decades at the top, Mourinho admitted the Benfica role was unexpected:
“After 25 years I thought I would return to Portugal with the national team, not Benfica. But I am back, and very happy. It is a big responsibility, even for someone with my years in football.”
Chelsea remain a “winning machine”
The Blues, now under Enzo Maresca, lifted the Club World Cup in the summer and won the Europa Conference League in May. Mourinho praised their continued success:
“They were winning before my time, then we started winning and kept winning. They are a winning machine.”
Mourinho’s comments highlight the respect he maintains for the club despite also managing Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham.
Stamford Bridge welcomes its “Special One”
Ahead of the game, Mourinho held a lively press conference in Chelsea’s Drake Suite, decorated with images of him lifting Premier League trophies. Switching between Portuguese and English, he delivered a mix of humour, humility, and nostalgia—captivating an international media pack three times larger than that of Maresca.
Relaxed and charismatic, Mourinho joked with player Dodi Lukebakio and greeted familiar Chelsea staff. His words suggest he is ready to embrace the fans’ affection while remaining focused on delivering for Benfica.
