José Mourinho has declared himself Chelsea's “biggest one” as he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since taking charge of Benfica. The Portuguese manager, who won three Premier League titles with the club across two spells, said he remains the most successful manager in Chelsea's history until someone wins four.
Speaking on the eve of Tuesday night's Champions League tie, Mourinho said: “Chelsea is a winning machine. I am the biggest one until someone wins four.” He also recalled his previous comment from 2017, when he said “Judas is No 1” after being barracked as Manchester United manager.
Mourinho, whose family home remains in south-west London, said he expects a warm reception from Chelsea fans. “I don’t think Chelsea fans boo me. At least on the street, they are the ones that disturb me all the time – for pictures and autographs,” he said.
The 61-year-old, who joined Benfica 11 days ago after being sacked by Fenerbahce, said he will be focused on winning for his new club. “In 90 minutes, I didn’t think where I was or with who I was playing. So I say: ‘I am not a blue any more … I am red now.’ And I want to win.”
Mourinho also praised Chelsea for keeping photographs of his title wins on display, saying: “There are not many clubs that do this … I think this shows that Chelsea is really a big club because big clubs are also about principles.”
