José Mourinho has once again claimed that he is Chelsea’s greatest manager, reflecting on his monumental success with the club as he returned to Stamford Bridge with Benfica for a Champions League match. Speaking to the media, Mourinho, often known as the “Special One,” emphasized his profound connection with Chelsea, a club where he won three Premier League titles during his two spells as manager.
“I am the biggest one,” Mourinho stated, asserting his legacy at the club. He explained that although Chelsea’s history has been shaped by several successful managers, including himself, he believes that his achievements stand unmatched until someone surpasses his record of three league titles. He also highlighted Chelsea’s transformation into a winning machine, emphasizing his role in helping elevate the club’s stature.
Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge marks another chapter in his storied relationship with the club. While he has previously managed rival clubs, such as Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, it is at Chelsea where his influence has been most keenly felt. Reflecting on his past, Mourinho acknowledged his important role in the club’s history but insisted that his focus now lies on Benfica.
“I will always be a blue,” he said, acknowledging his deep-rooted bond with Chelsea, but making it clear that his allegiance during the game would lie with Benfica. He also expressed appreciation for Chelsea’s enduring respect for its history, noting the club’s display of his achievements in the Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge, a rare acknowledgment in football where many clubs often overlook their past.
Mourinho also touched on a previous controversial moment during his time as Manchester United manager in 2018, when he was involved in a clash with Chelsea’s assistant coach Marco Ianni after a dramatic late equalizer. However, he clarified that his reaction was not about the goal, but rather the behavior of Ianni, emphasizing the professionalism of both Chelsea and himself in handling the situation.
As Mourinho prepares for his latest match at Stamford Bridge, he expressed confidence that Chelsea fans would welcome him back with warmth, as they have in previous encounters. Despite his departure from Chelsea, Mourinho continues to be a central figure in the club’s legacy, with many fans regarding him as one of the best to ever manage the Blues.
