Enzo Maresca delivers Jose Mourinho verdict with former Chelsea manager set for Stamford Bridge return

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·18 September 2025

Enzo Maresca delivers Jose Mourinho verdict with former Chelsea manager set for Stamford Bridge return

Mourinho is set for a return to Stamford Bridge after confirming interest in becoming Benfica boss

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Enzo Maresca has hailed Jose Mourinho as a Chelsea “legend” as he prepares for a showdown with the ‘special one’.

Mourinho is on the verge of a return to management just weeks after leaving his post at Fenerbahce following their failure to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Ironically, Mourinho is set to take charge of Benfica - the team that beat his Fenerbahce side in the play-off round last month - after confirming his interest in replacing Bruno Lage.

“What I can confirm is that, before I caught the plane, Benfica asked me if I was interested in coaching them,” Mourinho told reporters.

“I said yes. I said I was abroad and that when I returned to Portugal I would have all the interest in talking with them.

“My nature is wanting to coach. I told myself that I wanted to balance myself emotionally. I didn’t want to say yes to the wrong club, just because I am a workaholic.

“When asked if I wanted to coach Benfica, I did not think twice. It interests me.”

Jose Mourinho is set to replace Bruno Lage as Benfica manager

AFP via Getty Images

An announcement regarding Mourinho’s appointment is expected soon and this means his first Champions League game as Benfica boss will be at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Speaking about the prospect of facing Mourinho, Maresca couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Absolutely. Absolutely, yes. He's a legend for the club, he's a legend in general for the trophies and achievements,” the Italian said after Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.