Chelsea winger Pedro Neto says it will be a “pride” to face compatriot Jose Mourinho when the Blues meet Benfica in Tuesday’s Champions League showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho, now 62, is back in charge of Benfica 25 years after his first stint, seeking to lift the Lisbon giants after several lean seasons. The “Special One” won league titles across Europe and two Champions League crowns (with Porto and Inter) but has endured a turbulent decade with mixed spells at Manchester United, Tottenham and Fenerbahce.
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“As a Portuguese it’s a pride to play against Mourinho,” Neto said. “What he represents to the club and to Portuguese people—the chance he gave them to manage or play in top teams—is huge. People in Portugal respect him a lot. He’s one of our biggest names with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo. Who wouldn’t want to be managed by him?”
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca echoed the admiration, calling Mourinho “a legend for this club and a fantastic manager.”
Mourinho, who guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles, has faced the Blues 14 times as an opposing coach, recording four wins, three draws and seven defeats. His most famous meeting came in 2010 when his Inter Milan side eliminated Chelsea en route to a historic treble.
The Group Stage clash promises an emotional night as Mourinho returns to the Bridge aiming to derail his former club’s European campaign.