Jose Mourinho will step back into familiar territory this week when he leads Benfica out at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League showdown with Chelsea.
The Portuguese tactician, now in charge of the Eagles, spent two glittering spells in West London, transforming Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea into a dominant force in English and European football.
Ahead of his highly anticipated return, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ reflected on the club he helped build into a serial winner.
“Chelsea. Abramovich’s Chelsea, my Chelsea, the Chelsea we built and lasted for many years was a winning club,” Mourinho told reporters.
“It was winning everything with me and then with [Carlo] Ancelotti, with [Antonio] Conte and with [Thomas] Tuchel. Chelsea was a winning machine. Every season, Chelsea was winning.”
Mourinho admitted it was difficult to watch the Blues lose their way following Todd Boehly’s high-profile takeover, with the club enduring turbulent seasons of big spending, managerial changes and inconsistent performances.
“Then there was a big change with crazy investment and a period of a few years where it looked like they lost direction—with too many players, too many millions, accumulation of players and a team without a clear philosophy.
“For a couple of years, it was hard. For one that loves the club, it was hard.
But the 61-year-old believes Chelsea have now found stability under Enzo Maresca, who guided the team back into the Champions League last season while also lifting the Conference League and Club World Cup.
“Maresca arrived and step by step, the puzzle was made,” Mourinho said. “Even the Conference League is a fantastic competition for a team like that to win.
“It gives you that first cup and the philosophy and the culture of the club for winning… so now they have a good, good team.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
