Mourinho defeated but still loved on Chelsea return

Jose Mourinho appoints himself as Chelsea’s “Special One” when he first arrived at Stamford Bridge more than 20 years ago.

The 62-year-old has a distinguished and distinguished managerial career with plenty of successes, significant controversy, and instances where he has let himself down.

But he won’t experience the affection that Chelsea has for him anywhere.

During his new club Benfica’s 1-0 Champions League defeat, they yelled his name loudly three times. At one point in the second half, he was serenaded by the Shed and the Matthew Harding Stand.

He almost waved skeptically. His main focus was on the pitch, he claimed, because he has a reputation to live up to. His apprehension to succeed was greater than it was then.

He claimed that no one was waiting for him when I first arrived. There were numerous question marks, they said.

Everyone now believes that I have magical powers to create things.

In Chelsea’s packed media conference room, he was speaking. Jose is well known to the presenters. Few things compare to Brian Pullman’s impact.

Pullman spent a remarkable 56 years at Chelsea before retiring in 2024. In the media conference room, Jose was a well-known face, and he recalled how Pullman had cared for him in the past.

Mourinho grinned to see that his former coworker had made the effort to meet him, and he inquired, “Where are my favorite biscuits? “Pullman removed a nearby tea towel to reveal a dozen custard creams.” As he stood up and left, the Portuguese grabbed a few people before taking the rest. The pair’s embrace was a joy to witness.

The Mourinho, who spoke to his former teammate Joe Cole 90 minutes before kick-off and relaxed with his arm draped on the former England star’s shoulder as he engaged in a casual conversation, spent an age talking to another long-term employee at Chelsea, Thresa Conneely. the one who walked into the dressing room to give his pre-game team talk before stopping and signing a young Chelsea fan’s shirt.

When asked about the reaction of the supporters, Mourinho responded, “Of course I thank them.”

On the pitch, I did it. I reside here. On the street, we talk daily.

In 20 years, I’m hoping to visit [Stamford Bridge] with my grandchildren.

I am a part of their history, just as they are of mine.

Mourinho, however, wants to win. As he questioned decisions and demanded more from his players, he could tell that as he had always done on the touchline.

Even though the enormous income gap between England’s Champions League contenders and those from Portugal, it seemed odd to hear him mention how well his team had performed in defeat.

Given that what is now the home dugout straddles the halfway line, it makes sense why the club waited for Mauricio Pochettino to change them while he was manager.

However, it did mean he was closer to the Benfica fans because he produced yet another classic Mourinho moment in the second half.

Enzo Fernandez’s signing by Chelsea two years ago may have cost the Lisbon club a record sum of £100 million, but the amount of money clearly has no bearing on what the club’s supporters think of him.

Fernandez was shot by missiles from both the stands’ upper and lower sections as he turned around.

Mourinho was a reminder of his time as Porto manager at Old Trafford and the champions league loser when he witnessed what was happening when he jumped out of his seat and flew down the touchline in 2004.

He is currently unable to control his knee slide. Instead, he remained silent while urging his supporters to stop.

Although some of them may not have been as he had planned, Fernandez may have been able to escape the bombardment long enough.

Jose the peacemaker Joe the friend

Mourinho’s return to Benfica was memorable despite Chelsea and Benfica not having won.