Mourinho, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’, entered the Drake Suite quietly, greeting the diverse international media – three times larger than the group that welcomed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca – with a simple “Ciao”.
The room – a hospitality space honouring Chelsea’s title-winning managers – features three photographs of Mourinho hoisting each of his three Premier League trophies, alongside images of Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte. Relaxed and charismatic, he joked with player Dodi Lukebakio, who briefly answered questions before the main event.
A host of Chelsea staff made a special effort to see returning former manager Jose Mourinho back at Stamford Bridge.
They witnessed a media conference masterclass. Asked in Portuguese about the photos on the wall, he said: “I’m not a Blue any more. I’m a Red now and want to win.”
However, when asked a similar question in English, he replied: “I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history. They are part of my history. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea. And they helped me to become a bigger Jose. When I say I am not a Blue, I am only speaking about the job I have to do tomorrow.”
Those comments also appeared to show that Mourinho is ready to accept legend status and adulation from the home supporters on Tuesday, despite spells at Tottenham and Manchester United.
He made an effort to speak to each individual he knew from his last spell in English football, before having an hour-long training session in front of the cameras on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
