When José Mourinho first walked into Stamford Bridge more than 20 years ago, he declared himself the “Special One.”
At 62, the Portuguese coach has experienced triumphs, controversies, and low points across his storied career. Yet nowhere does he feel the affection he receives at Chelsea.
That bond was clear as fans chanted his name throughout Benfica’s 1-0 Champions League defeat.
At one stage, the Matthew Harding Stand and the Shed End sang in unison, prompting Mourinho to wave back almost shyly before resuming his familiar touchline patrol, demanding more from his players.
Afterwards, he admitted his desire to succeed remains as strong as ever: “When I first came here, no one was waiting for me.
There were a lot of question marks. Now everybody thinks I have magic to make things happen.”
The evening was marked by warmth off the pitch. Mourinho was reunited with Brian Pullman, a Chelsea stalwart who worked at the club for 56 years.
Grinning, he asked: “Where are my favourite biscuits?” before being presented with custard creams, embracing Pullman as he left.
He also spent time with long-serving Chelsea staff, chatted at length with Joe Cole, and signed a young fan’s shirt before the match.
“Of course I thank them,” Mourinho said of the supporters’ ovation. “I live around here. I talk with them every day on the street. I hope to come back here in 20 years with my grandkids. They belong to my history and I belong to theirs.”
Yet the competitive edge remains. He challenged refereeing decisions and animatedly urged on his players, later insisting Benfica had performed admirably despite the gulf in resources between the clubs.
A flashpoint arrived when Enzo Fernández, once sold by Benfica to Chelsea for a British record £107m, was pelted with objects as he prepared to take a corner.
Mourinho sprinted down the touchline, furiously waving at supporters to stop—evoking memories of his famous dash at Old Trafford as Porto boss in 2004.
This time, there was no knee slide, only José the peacemaker.
Benfica lost, and Chelsea hardly impressed, but Mourinho’s return was memorable nonetheless—a reminder of the enduring respect between club and coach.
