Liam Duckstein
Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Benfica manager has set the stage for a high‑profile return to Stamford Bridge when his side visit Chelsea. The 62‑year‑old takes over following his dismissal at Fenerbahce and a surprise approach from Benfica president Rui Costa.
Mourinho, who was in Barcelona with his wife Matilde when Costa rang, agreed a two‑year contract reportedly worth about €3m net in the first season, rising to €4m in the second. The deal contains a break clause allowing either party to terminate the arrangement within 10 days after the final game of the season.
His arrival rekindles memories from his first spell at Chelsea and his brief stint at Benfica 25 years ago. Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou recalled the emotions in the dressing room when Mourinho left the club in 2007.
“It was not just a manager we were losing,” Kalou said. “It was a great person, a mentor, someone who was willing to help you and fight for you. The reason why he’s the ‘Special One’ is because he affects people. He brings something very special to a club.”
Close colleagues believe Mourinho has not lost his competitive edge.
“He wants to go and beat Chelsea to show everyone ‘I am here’,” said friend and former Portugal coach José Peseiro.
“Jose brings more than experience, ambition and a winning mentality,” added José Morais, Mourinho’s long‑time assistant. “He brings the ability to shape a team into something greater than the sum of its parts.”
Mourinho’s CV remains impressive — 26 major trophies across Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Roma — but he arrives at Benfica amid questions. It has been a decade since he won a league title, more than five years since he coached in the Champions League proper, and his last job ended abruptly in Turkey.
He has wasted little time stamping his authority on Lisbon. In his first week he publicly challenged the video assistant referee and even spoke to referee Sérgio Guelho at half‑time after a 1‑1 draw with Rio Ave, complaining about time‑wasting by goalkeeper Cezary Miszta. Mourinho told his new squad he would be “very direct” and pledged to deliver “a lot of good things” — and “a lot of bad things” when necessary.
“Others accept defeat, but he fights that,” Peseiro said. “Even now, he doesn’t accept losing. He lives for football.”
Kalou remembers Mourinho’s frankness from their time together at Chelsea and an infamous post‑match encounter after Kalou scored against Mourinho’s Inter Milan side in 2010.
“What I liked about him the most was his honesty,” Kalou said. “He will never sugar‑coat anything. As a player, I respected that.” He added Mourinho once knocked on the Chelsea team bus after a match and said to him: “When you were with me, you didn’t score like this. Be careful!”
Fans and observers are divided over how Mourinho will be received back at Stamford Bridge. Season ticket holder Tim Rolls expects a warm greeting.
“He did so much for the club,” Rolls said. “He won three league titles and turned the club around. … I don’t think there will be any hostility at all.”
Whether Mourinho can revive past glories remains to be seen. Those close to him insist the fire that made him a consistent winner is still there.
“We all evolve,” Morais said. “Time asks that of us. But the passion and ambition remain the same. Jose’s fire has not dimmed.”