‘Always a Blue’ – Mourinho Returns to Stamford Bridge with Benfica

‘Always a Blue’ – Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Return With Benfica

Jose Mourinho has declared he will “always be a Blue” ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge, where his Benfica side will face Chelsea in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.

The 62-year-old Portuguese icon, who led Chelsea to seven major trophies across two spells, including three Premier League titles, returns to the west London club in a new chapter of his remarkable career.

Despite vowing to beat his former side, Mourinho was clear about his enduring affection:

“I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history. They are part of mine.”

From Chelsea Glory to Benfica Mission

Mourinho, sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce in August, made a shock return to Benfica, the club where he began his managerial career in 2000. In his first three matches back, Benfica are unbeaten.

He inherits a side that lost 3-2 to Qarabag in their opening Champions League group game, leading to the sacking of Bruno Lage.

Mourinho had previously clashed with Benfica this season — his Fenerbahce side were eliminated 1-0 on aggregate by the Portuguese giants in August. He was dismissed two days later.

Mourinho: “It’s My Benfica Now”

There are pictures of Jose Mourinho holding trophies on the wall at Chelsea’s Drake Suite, with current boss Enzo Maresca pictured talking with one of them in the background

Although emotional about his Chelsea roots, Mourinho was pragmatic ahead of the high-stakes tie:

“It will be my Chelsea before the start of the game and after the game, but during the game it’s my Benfica. That’s all that matters.”

He added that his unexpected return to club football came without long-term planning:

“After 25 years of coaching, I expected my return to Portugal would be with the national team. But now I’m at Benfica — and very happy.”

A Legacy Etched in Blue

During his media conference at Stamford Bridge’s Drake Suite, adorned with photos of his Premier League triumphs, Mourinho provided a masterclass in charisma and diplomacy.

“I helped Chelsea become a bigger club, and they helped me become a bigger Jose.”

Despite spells at Manchester United, Tottenham, and clubs across Europe including Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Roma, Mourinho’s bond with Chelsea remains unshaken.

He even affectionately referred to Chelsea as a “winning machine”, noting:

“They won something before my time, then we started winning and kept winning.”

Tactical Edge Meets Emotional Return

Mourinho’s Benfica are currently rebuilding under his leadership, and the Champions League presents a massive test — both emotionally and tactically — as they head into battle at the stadium that helped make Mourinho the “Special One.”

Chelsea, who recently added the Club World Cup and Conference League to their trophy cabinet, face a formidable tactician who knows every corner of the Bridge.

Whether or not the Chelsea fans chant his name, Jose Mourinho’s legacy lives in the walls of Stamford Bridge — and this Tuesday, he’ll try to beat the club he still calls “my Chelsea.”