Enzo Maresca sends Jose Mourinho message ahead of Chelsea meeting

Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea (Image: Jasmin Walter - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca has given his verdict on the prospect of Chelsea taking on a Benfica side managed by Jose Mourinho in their next Champions League fixture.

The Blues faced Bayern Munich in their first league phase match of the Champions League on Wednesday night, where they fell to a 3-1 defeat to the German giants.

Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from the defeat when they face Benfica in their next league phase match in Europe.

It's becoming likely that Chelsea will go up against former manager Jose Mourinho when they take on Benfica at Stamford Bridge on September 30.

Reports have emerged claiming that Mourinho is closing in on becoming the new manager of the Portuguese club, just a few weeks after his exit from his position.

Maresca was asked about the prospect of being in rival dugouts to Mourinho when Chelsea face Benfica later this month, with the Blues head coach praising the club's former manager.

"Absolutely. Absolutely, yes," Maresca told reporters when asked if he's looking forward to facing Mourinho.

"He's a legend for the club, he's a legend in general for the trophies and achievements."

Mourinho enjoyed two spells as Chelsea manager from 2004-07 and 2013-15, winning three Premier League titles, three League Cups and one FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. The 62-year-old has also enjoyed spells as manager of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur since his departure from Chelsea almost 10 years ago.

The last time Mourinho has taken charge of a team against Chelsea was in February 2021, when he oversaw Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to the Blues in the Premier League.

Mourinho has gone up against Chelsea 14 times in his managerial career, winning just five times and has been handed seven defeats, along with two draws.