Enzo Maresca makes Jose Mourinho feelings clear as Chelsea boss explains Benfica challenge

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has left no room for doubt about where he stands on the subject of José Mourinho, while also laying out the formidable task that awaits his own side against Benfica.

Speaking ahead of the high-stakes clash, Maresca expressed unmistakable admiration for the legendary Portuguese coach who once ruled the Stamford Bridge dugout. He praised Mourinho’s enduring influence on modern football and acknowledged the winning mentality that still defines the “Special One,” making it clear that his respect goes far beyond polite soundbites. For Maresca, Mourinho’s career serves as both inspiration and benchmark—a reminder of the standards demanded at a club with Chelsea’s ambitions.

But Maresca’s focus quickly shifted to the immediate obstacle: a Benfica side renowned for its tactical discipline and relentless energy. He outlined how the Lisbon giants combine technical brilliance with a pressing game capable of unsettling even Europe’s elite. Their balanced attack, rapid transitions, and fanatical home support create a setting where any lapse in concentration can be punished.

The Italian coach stressed that Chelsea must be sharp in every department—defensive shape, midfield control, and clinical finishing—if they are to emerge with a positive result. While he lauded Benfica’s quality, Maresca radiated quiet confidence, emphasizing that his own squad’s creativity and growing chemistry give them the weapons to match their hosts blow for blow.

By openly celebrating Mourinho’s legacy while dissecting Benfica’s strengths, Maresca painted a picture of a manager who respects football history but is equally determined to write his own chapter. It is the blend of reverence and resolve that has begun to define his Chelsea tenure—and it sets the stage for a European showdown brimming with intrigue and high drama.