Chelsea’s upcoming game against Benfica in the Champions League may only be their second game of the group stage, but it's already shaping up to be a must-win match for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca’s team go into the game in a poor run of form, having lost their first game of the competition and their last two Premier League games on the bounce.
And it does not get any easier for Chelsea as their next game is against their former manager, Jose Mourinho, who is now in charge of Benfica.
Ahead of the game on Tuesday night, Maresca was asked about his thoughts regarding the former Chelsea manager, and the Italian did not shy away from heaping praise on his Portuguese counterpart.
Mourinho is arguably the best manager that Chelsea has had in their history, as he led them to their first domestic title in 50 years during his first spell at the club.
Maresca is well aware of Mourinho’s achievements as he paid him the ultimate tribute ahead of the encounter at Stamford Bridge.
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Enzo Maresca hails ‘legend’ Jose Mourinho ahead of Champions League encounter
Speaking ahead of the game on Tuesday night, Maresca has admitted he is excited about the prospect of coming up against Mourinho, describing him as a Chelsea legend.
He said to Football London: “Absolutely. Absolutely, yes. He’s a legend for the club, he’s a legend in general for the trophies and achievements.”
However, Maresca will have to find a way to outwit the Portuguese manager, who has a very good record against Chelsea in the Champions League.
He won both games against them while he was in charge of Inter Milan in 2010, and he will be looking to add to Chelsea’s woes on Tuesday night.
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