Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has admitted it was “hard” for him to watch Chelsea struggle during the Todd Boehly era.
Boehly led the consortium that acquired the London club from Roman Abramovich in 2022. Mourinho, who won multiple trophies in two separate stints at Stamford Bridge, is set to make an emotional return when Benfica face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Portuguese tactician, however, stated that he is not concerned about the reception he will get from supporters.
“Chelsea. Abramovich’s Chelsea, my Chelsea, the Chelsea we built and lasted for many years, was a winning club,” Mourinho said.
“It was winning everything with me and then with (Carlo) Ancelotti, with (Antonio) Conte and with (Thomas) Tuchel. Chelsea was a winning machine. Every season, Chelsea was winning.
“Then there was a big change with crazy investment and a period of a few years where it looked like they lost direction – with too many players, too many millions, accumulation of players and a team without a clear philosophy.
“For a couple of years, it was hard. For one that loves the club, it was hard.”
