Mourinho Secures Shock Return as Maresca Braces for Explosive Chelsea Showdown

José Mourinho has been officially announced as Benfica's new head coach, arriving just over a week before the Portuguese club is set to visit his previous team Chelsea in Champions League action.

The Portuguese tactician was let go by Turkish outfit Fenerbahçe during the summer transfer window but was promptly recruited by Benfica—the very club where he first launched his coaching journey back in 2000.

"I'm experiencing numerous feelings right now, but I believe my experience allows me to manage them," Mourinho expressed upon his return to the Lisbon-based team. "I want to express my gratitude for the confidence shown in me, the privilege I sense at this time.

"It's been a quarter-century, but I'm not here to commemorate my achievements. These 25 years have given me the chance to lead some of the world's most prestigious football clubs. And to wrap up these remarks, as someone representing this institution, I must say that none of the other elite clubs I've been fortunate to manage have left me feeling more privileged, accountable, or inspired than serving as Benfica's head coach."

Mourinho will now oversee several league fixtures before making the journey to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea on September 30th.

After overseeing 321 matches across two separate tenures with the Blues and delivering three Premier League championships to the London club, Mourinho is commonly regarded as potentially the most successful manager in Chelsea's history—a legacy that current manager Maresca fully acknowledges.

When questioned about his anticipation for the upcoming encounter with Mourinho in under two weeks, Maresca replied: "Definitely. Without question, yes.

"He represents a legendary figure for this club, he's an icon in football overall considering his silverware and accomplishments."