José Mourinho is heading back to Stamford Bridge, a ground he once called home, but this time as the manager of Benfica and with only one thing on his mind: victory with the club he started his managerial career against, one of the clubs he cemented his legacy with.
Ahead of Benfica’s Champions League showdown with Chelsea on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Softfootball understands that Jose Mourinho reflected on the emotional weight of returning to the stadium where his name became legend. The Portuguese tactician, who guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles, admitted that Stamford Bridge will always be part of him yet made it clear that his loyalty now lies elsewhere. He even revealed in an earlier interview that he doesn’t really care about how he might be received by Chelsea fans.
In an interview quoted by sports journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X account:
Mourinho said:
Chelsea belongs to my history, and I belong to Chelsea’s history, This place gave me a lot — titles, love, memories. But life moves, and I move with it. I feel at home here, yes… but I’m not a Blue anymore. I’m Red now, and I want to win.
It was an emotional confession, yet Mourinho’s competitive fire remains untouched. The 62-year-old explained that once the whistle blows, sentiment fades and focus takes over.
He claimed:
I already came here with Spurs, United, even Inter Milan. During those 90 minutes, I don’t think about the past or who I was with. I just want to compete, to fight. My son works from home not far from here — he always knows when Chelsea score because of the noise. But tomorrow, I hope it’s us making the noise.
While leading Benfica with a fresh sense of purpose after accepting to join them following his sacking by Fernerbache, Mourinho reflects on his growth, stating he has become a little more selfless, more focused on the team than on himself. However, the passion that defined his time at Stamford Bridge remains undimmed.
Chelsea hosts Benfica tomorrow in London, and for Mourinho, it’s another night at the Bridge, only this time, from the other side.
