By our reporter 29.9.2025
Struggling Chelsea will on Tuesday square up with Benfica in a Champions League tie and according to coach Enzo Maresca, Benfica will be “difficult” due to Jose Mourinho’s presence on the bench.
Mourinho who was recently appointed coach of the Portuguese side will be visiting Stamford Bridge a ground where he recorded success with the London club. Chelsea so far have yet to find their rhythm, they have lost three out of four matches across all competitions. Last Saturday, they were beaten 3-1 at home by Brighton, a result which piled more pressure on coach Maresca.
Speaking a head of the game against Benfica he said: “It’s absolutely a privilege to face Jose tomorrow.
“He is a legend for this club – not only this club – but many different clubs so it will be a privilege to face Jose tomorrow.
“It is probably a little bit more difficult to prepare because they [Benfica] just played three or four games under Jose. And the games I watched before were under Bruno Lage. For sure, it will be a completely different game compared to the Club World Cup game.”
Under Mourinho, Benfica have picked up two wins and one draw.
Chelsea met Benfica at the Club World Cup round of 16 last June and they ran away with 4-1 win on their way to beating Paris St Germain in the final.
Club World Cup action between Chelsea and Benfica.