Home SPORTS The Special One's Big Return: Mourinho's Benfica Take on Chelsea

The Special One's Big Return: Mourinho's Benfica Take on Chelsea

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Jose Mourinho
Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge




Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge with Benfica, bringing a mix of nostalgia and rivalry. Mourinho's Benfica looks to upset Chelsea in the Champions League.


“The Conference League is an easy competition for a big club to win. I did it with Roma. Champions League is much more difficult to win...”


Jose Mourinho is set to receive a warm welcome from Chelsea fans as he returns to Stamford Bridge with Benfica for a Champions League group stage match. Despite their tumultuous past, Mourinho believes the fans will greet him warmly, at least initially. His history with Chelsea is complex, having won three Premier League titles and cemented his legacy as the “Special One” during his time at the club.


However, their relationship took a hit when Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United in 2017, and Chelsea fans chanted “Judas” at him. Mourinho has since claimed he's more "humble” and “altruistic” but his competitive fire remains undimmed. “ Benfica's manager, he'll face off against Chelsea in a high-stakes match, where nostalgia and rivalry will collide.


The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Benfica looking to bounce back from their opening Champions League loss and Chelsea seeking to rebound from their defeat to Bayern Munich. Mourinho's tactical prowess and knowledge of Stamford Bridge will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the game's outcome.




Jose Mourinho, 62, made a lasting impact at Chelsea with his bold declaration as the “Special One” upon joining the Premier League. During his two stints, he secured three English titles, three League Cups, and one FA Cup, cementing his legacy.


Mourinho's success was largely fueled by Roman Abramovich's financial backing, which enabled him to build a strong team. Under his leadership, Chelsea transformed from underachievers to consistent winners, with Mourinho winning the most domestic titles and total titles in the club's history.




Mourinho's Achievements at Chelsea

  • English Titles: 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2014-15
  • League Cups: 2005, 2007, and 2015
  • FA Cup: 2007
  • Community Shield: 2005


Despite his achievements, Mourinho's relationship with Chelsea fans has been complicated. Some fans appreciate his contributions, while others harbor animosity due to his departure and subsequent rivalry with the team. Mourinho has referred to himself as “the biggest one” and maintains that he is Chelsea's greatest manager until someone wins four titles at the club.


Jose Mourinho's illustrious tenure at Chelsea didn't shield him from the fans' scorn when he returned to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United and Tottenham. The chants of “you're not special anymore” still linger, reflecting the complicated relationship between Mourinho and the Chelsea faithful.


Now, as Benfica's manager, Mourinho has walked a fine line, initially declaring, “I'm not a Blue anymore. I'm Red now, and I want to win.” However, he swiftly tempered this statement, expressing his enduring affection for the club and anticipating a warm reception from fans who once revered him. This diplomatic approach acknowledges the emotional weight of his return, given his three Premier League titles and lasting impact on the team.


Mourinho's History with Chelsea:

Early Success: Mourinho won three Premier League titles, cementing his legacy as the “Special One”

Tumultuous Departure: His relationship with the fans soured after he left Chelsea, with chants of “Judas” during his return matches

Current Focus: Mourinho prioritizes Benfica's success, seeking to prove himself in the Champions League


Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed potential tensions, describing Mourinho as “a legend for this club” and expressing admiration for his opponent's achievements. The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Benfica looking to bounce back from their opening Champions League loss and Chelsea seeking to regain momentum after a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.


“It was a happy marriage. It was a fantastic decision I made. The reason I came the second time is of course I was so happy the first time...”


“Of course I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history and they are part of mine. I helped them become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me become a bigger Jose,” he told reporters.


“It was a happy marriage. It was a fantastic decision I made. The reason I came the second time is of course I was so happy the first time.


“When I say I am not a blue I am talking about the job I have to do tomorrow.


“I don't think Chelsea fans will boo. At least on the street Chelsea fans are the ones that disturb me for autographs and pictures.”


Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge with Benfica for a Champions League match, where he was greeted with a heartfelt gesture by Chelsea. Photos celebrating some of his greatest moments with the club were displayed in the Ted Drake Suite, making him feel at home. Mourinho appreciated the gesture, saying, “There are not many clubs that do this. In many clubs, it looks like there's a fear of what happened in the past. Sometimes it looks like they want to delete people who made history. It shows Chelsea is really a big club.”


This warm welcome contrasts with their tumultuous past, where Chelsea fans chanted “you're not special anymore” and jeered him during his returns as Manchester United and Tottenham manager. Despite this, Mourinho expressed his affection for the club, stating, “Of course, I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history, and they are part of mine. I helped them become a bigger Chelsea, and they helped me become a bigger Jose.”


“Sometimes it looks like they want to delete people who made history. It shows Chelsea is really a big club.”



Mourinho's Respect for Maresca

Jose Mourinho, who still owns a family home near Stamford Bridge, chose not to pile pressure on Chelsea's current manager Enzo Maresca. Despite Maresca facing criticism after consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Brighton, Mourinho remained diplomatic. Maresca had a successful season, leading Chelsea to Champions League qualification and winning the UEFA Conference League. Mourinho instead focused on his own team, Benfica, and the upcoming Champions League match.


“There was a sad period where even me from the outside, I was putting some question marks. It looked like Chelsea lost their identity but what happened in the last season has put things back on track,“ he said.


When asked if he still considered himself the best manager in Chelsea's history, Jose Mourinho confidently replied, “I am the biggest one until someone wins four.” This statement reflects his pride in his achievements with the club, including three Premier League titles and other domestic trophies. Mourinho's remark showcases his enduring confidence and competitive spirit.


“Chelsea won something before my time. Then they stopped winning, and then my team kept winning.”


Mourinho subtly downplayed Enzo Maresca's achievements, implying his own Chelsea legacy remains unmatched. In characteristic style, he made a pointed remark about his own standing, saying, “I am the biggest one until someone wins four.” This comment underscored his pride in his Chelsea history while subtly diminishing Maresca's two trophies.


“The Conference League is an easy competition for a big club to win. I did it with Roma. Champions League is much more difficult to win than the Club World Cup but Chelsea has the potential of course,” he said.


Despite a decade passing since he last lifted a league title, Jose Mourinho remains a magnetic figure, drawing attention wherever he goes. His enduring charm was on full display as he wrapped up the press conference, warmly embracing familiar faces among the British media. Mourinho even posed for a selfie, showcasing his charisma. As he departed, he smiled, saying, “You know how I am. I love it,” a testament to his continued confidence and affection for the spotlight.


Mourinho's Enduring Legacy:

Managerial Prowess: A decade may have passed since his last league title, but Mourinho's influence remains significant.

Media Magnetism: He effortlessly connects with journalists and fans alike, a trait that has defined his career.

Unwavering Confidence: Mourinho's charm and charisma continue to make him a compelling figure in football.




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