Jose Mourinho insists there will be no room for sentiment when Benfica face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the Champions League.
The “Special One,” who won three Premier League titles and six major trophies across two spells in west London, said: “I am feeling home… But I am not a Blue now. I am Red. And I want to win.” Mourinho stressed that his side must “defend well” as they chase points in a tough group featuring Chelsea, Real Madrid and Newcastle.
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Despite his determination to beat his old club, Mourinho expects a warm welcome: “I don’t think Chelsea fans will boo me. At least when I am on the street they ask me for selfies and pictures.”
The Portuguese coach also offered a cheeky reaction to the absence of injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer: “I’m happy [Palmer will be missing]. If Sudakov or Pavlidis don’t play, that’s a big problem for me.”
Mourinho returned to Benfica earlier this month and has started well, recording two wins and a draw in his first three league games. Benfica, however, lost their Champions League opener 3-2 to Qarabag.
Chelsea, who lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in their group opener, also face a critical week with a Premier League showdown against Liverpool on Saturday.