'I've never felt like a genius or a devil' - Jose Mourinho says he's a 'much better coach than before' ahead of reunion with Chelsea in Champions League

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Jose Mourinho claims that he feels that he is a 'much better coach than before' as the Benfica boss prepares for a reunion with his former club Chelsea in the Champions League. After losing his job at Fenerbahce last month, Mourinho returned to his homeland to take charge of Benfica. Under the veteran coach, the Liga Portugal side have registered two wins and a draw thus far.

Mourinho off to a bright start in Portugal

Mourinho returned to Portugal to take up a coaching role after 21 years, as he joined Benfica, a club where he first started his managerial career 25 years ago. Benfica's journey under the 62-year-old has been smooth sailing as they have registered two wins and a draw in the Liga Portugal under the Special One.

Jose Mourinho

'I feel like a much better coach than before'

Looking back at his 25-year-long managerial career, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager told UEFA: "A coach is born and dies with the same DNA; he doesn't have a choice. But as a person, there are differences. Maybe in the beginning, I thought more about myself, and I've transformed in a way where, I don't know, I feel more altruistic. I feel like I'm in football more to help my players than to think about what will happen to me in a year, two, or three. It's a natural change that doesn't distort me as a coach, but as a person, it gives me a different side.

"I feel stronger, I feel like a much better coach than before. A coach is better with accumulated experience. There are matches in my career where I felt like I was the one who won. Because sometimes you have the right ideas, decisions, strategies, sometimes before the game, but other times during. But I've never felt like a genius. A provocateur, maybe a bit, but I've never felt like a genius or a devil."

Mourinho ready for Chelsea reunion

After a win over Gil Vincente in a league clash on Saturday, Mourinho is now gearing up to face his former team Chelsea as he will head back to his old stomping ground Stamford Bridge to face the Blues in the Champions League. 

FC Bayern München v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Palmer blow for Chelsea

Chelsea will approach the Benfica clash in the midweek without the services of their star player Cole Palmer, who has been ruled out of action for three matches due to a groin problem.