Enzo Maresca has hailed Jose Mourinho as a Chelsea “legend” as he prepares for a showdown with the ‘special one’.
Mourinho is back in management just weeks after leaving his post at Fenerbahce following their failure to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Ironically, Mourinho has taken charge of Benfica - the team that beat his Fenerbahce side in the play-off round last month - and was unveiled to the media on Thursday afternoon.
“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.”
Mourinho’s appointment 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.
