Enzo Maresca makes Jose Mourinho feelings clear as Chelsea boss explains Benfica challenge

Enzo Maresca has admitted it will be a "privilege" to take on Jose Mourinho's Benfica side in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Chelsea welcome the Portuguese side to Stamford Bridge in what will be the Blues' second game of the Champions League league phase. Bayern Munich beat the west Londoners in matchday one of the competition earlier this month and Maresca will be intent on putting some points on the board.

Mourinho will make his Stamford Bridge return after replacing Bruno Lage as Benfica manager two weeks ago. Lage was sacked from his role after Benfica's shock Champions League defeat against Qarabag.

"It's absolutely a privilege to face Jose tomorrow," Maresca said at his pre-match press conference. "Legend for this club, but for different clubs too. It will be a privilege."

He added: "For me, it's a privilege to represent this club in the Champions League and a privilege to face a fantastic manager like Jose tomorrow."

Chelsea faced Benfica in the round of 16 in the Club World Cup, with the Blues coming out 4-1 winners. The game on Tuesday night will likely be a much different encounter, however.

"It's probably a little bit more difficult because all the games I have watched is with the former manager," Maresca said. "I watched three or four games of Jose, but for sure it will be a completely different game compared to the Club World Cup game."

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