Benfica manager José Mourinho has declared that he is “not a Blue anymore” as he prepares to lead his team against former club Chelsea in their second UEFA Champions League group-stage fixture on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese coach, who had two successful spells at Stamford Bridge, made the statement while speaking to journalists ahead of the much-anticipated clash in London.
Mourinho is widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s most iconic managers. He won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cups across his two stints at the club, first from 2004 to 2007 and later from 2013 to 2015.
However, with Benfica now under his charge, Mourinho made it clear that his loyalties lie with the Portuguese side, even as he acknowledged his deep connection to Chelsea.
“Of course, I am part of their history and they are part of my history,” Mourinho said. “When I say I’m not a Blue, it is about the job I do tomorrow.”
He added that he doesn’t expect Chelsea fans to boo him during the game, noting that he still gets a warm reception whenever he visits.
“I don’t think Chelsea fans will boo me. At least when I am on the street, they ask me for selfies and pictures,” he said with a smile.
Mourinho began his professional managerial career at Benfica in 2000, and his return to the club in 2025 has been seen as a full-circle moment in his coaching journey.
Tuesday’s match marks another emotional return to Stamford Bridge, but Mourinho insists sentiment will not stand in the way of his goal — to secure three points for Benfica in a tough Champions League group.
Both Chelsea and Benfica are chasing qualification to the next round, making the encounter crucial for their campaigns.
