Jose Mourinho: Chelsea Memories Won't Soften Benfica Defeat
Jose Mourinho insists that fond memories of his time at Chelsea won't ease the pain of Benfica's 1-0 defeat in his return to Stamford Bridge.
“It will be my Chelsea before the start of the game and after the game, but during the game, it's my Benfica and that's all that matters...”
Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge ended in defeat, with Benfica losing 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League. Despite the warm welcome from Chelsea fans, who chanted his name throughout the match, Mourinho remained focused on the game. He insisted that fond memories of his time at Chelsea wouldn't distract him from the result.
The Portuguese coach thanked the fans for their reception, acknowledging the special bond he shares with them. Mourinho mentioned that he lives nearby and often meets Chelsea supporters on the street, emphasizing that their relationship will endure. “I hope to come back here in 20 years with my grandkids,” he said, highlighting the deep connection between him and the club.
Two minutes in and Jose Mourinho’s name is sung. He responds by blowing kisses.😘 pic.twitter.com/dkAyyhg8Bx
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 30, 2025
Mourinho's Benfica team struggled to create scoring opportunities, ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat after Richard Rios scored an own goal in the 18th minute. Despite the loss, Mourinho praised his team's performance, noting that they faced a tough opponent in Chelsea. Enzo Maresca's side secured a vital win, keeping their Champions League campaign alive.
Benfica's Frustrating Defeat
José Mourinho's Benfica suffered a heartbreaking loss, with Richard Rios' unfortunate own goal in the 18th minute proving to be the decisive factor. Despite a solid team performance, Benfica struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving Mourinho frustrated with the lack of tangible results.
Jose Mourinho still gets his favourite biscuits! 🍪
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 30, 2025
Brian Pullman worked for Chelsea for 56 years and retired in 2024, but he was at Stamford Bridge tonight to make sure Jose Mourinho got his custard creams ❤️ pic.twitter.com/v6Wd9BRb4F
As the most successful manager in Chelsea's history, José Mourinho has an impressive record with the west London club, having won seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles, across two spells. His achievements with Chelsea cement his status as one of the most accomplished managers in the club's history.
Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, 20 years apart 🫴
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 30, 2025
🏟️ @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/4b4l8pet9O
Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge with Benfica was met with a warm reception from Chelsea fans, who chanted his name throughout the match. Despite being twice sacked by Roman Abramovich and later managing rival teams Tottenham and Manchester United, which previously angered Chelsea supporters, Mourinho received a love-in from the fans. However, he remained focused on the game, insisting that the loss was all that mattered to him.
Mourinho emphasized that while he appreciates the affection from Chelsea fans, his priority during the match was Benfica's performance. “It will be my Chelsea before the start of the game and after the game, but during the game, it's my Benfica and that's all that matters,” he said. This mindset reflects his dedication to his current team, despite his deep connection with Chelsea, where he won seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles.
The Portuguese coach has always been known for his contrarian views, and his comments after the match were no exception. While acknowledging Chelsea's rich history and his own contributions to the club's success, Mourinho remained fixated on Benfica's defeat. His ability to separate his affection for Chelsea from his professional obligations showcases his experience and maturity as a manager.
Chelsea's 1-0 win over Benfica marked a significant improvement from their previous performances, including a home defeat to Brighton and losses to Manchester United and Bayern Munich. The team's solid display against Benfica showcased their ability to adapt and respond to challenging situations.
After coming under fire for Chelsea's slow start to the season, Enzo Maresca acknowledged the importance of their first Champions League win. He expressed relief and satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their resilience and determination in securing a vital victory. This win provides a much-needed boost to the team's morale and momentum in the competition.
“I don't feed myself with these memories,” he said. “I feed myself with victories. Of course I take the memories. On the pitch I was focused on the game, but you have always a little bit of the sound.
“I thank the fans. I live around here and when I'm in London I meet them every day on the street. I know that it's going to be a relationship for ever.
“Hopefully I come back here in 20 years with my grandkids. They belong to my history and I belong to their history.”
Chelsea's Disciplinary Woes Continue
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faced further disciplinary issues when substitute Joao Pedro was sent off in the final minute of stoppage time for a high challenge during their 1-0 win over Benfica. This incident marked the third red card in four games for Chelsea, with previous dismissals including goalkeeper Robert Sánchez against Manchester United and defender Trevoh Chalobah against Brighton.
Despite the disciplinary concerns, Maresca downplayed the issue, stating, “At least we learned how to win with a red card.” He emphasized that his priority was the team's performance and finding ways to adapt to challenging situations. Maresca also highlighted the importance of his players learning from these experiences and moving forward.
The red card incidents have raised concerns about Chelsea's discipline, with Sánchez and Chalobah being sent off for defensive actions, while João Pedro's dismissal was due to a high boot. Maresca believes that these incidents are not necessarily indicative of a deeper disciplinary problem, instead attributing them to the heat of the moment and the players' desire to win.
“We needed the win,” he said. “First half we controlled the game, scored and created more chances.
“We had some players on the pitch who unfortunately were not 100 per cent. They were playing because we have seven, eight players out.
“Sometimes you need to learn to win in an ugly way.”
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