Chelsea title-winner: ‘Legend’ Mourinho the ‘best manager the club ever had’ but Premier League return ‘unlikely’

Former Chelsea right back Glen Johnson has labelled Jose Mourinho as a ‘legend’ ahead of the Special One returning to Stamford Bridge with his new club Benfica in the Champions League this evening.

Johnson, who played under Mourinho and was part of his iconic Chelsea team that won the club it’s first Premier League title in 2005 has been discussing his return, and he expects the Stamford Bridge faithful to serenade their former boss ahead of kick-off tonight.

Speaking to 10bet, Johnson said: “I’m sure he’ll get a great welcome back at the start of the match, before the whistle goes.

“Of course, once the game kicks off, it’s not about Jose Mourinho anymore, it’s about Chelsea.

“He’ll get his thanks at the beginning, but then he turns into the enemy. I think it’s fair to say that he’s the best manager the club ever had, with all the trophies he delivered. He won the league for the first time in 50 years or so, so he’s a legend, but not once the match is underway.”

Inconsistent Chelsea will give Benfica a chance

Johnson lamented the inconsistency of Chelsea’s performances this season and claimed that the club’s failure to produce top performances on a regular basis gives Benfica a slight chance to nick a result in West London this evening.

Johnson continued: “Benfica definitely have a chance of pulling off a win at Stamford Bridge. The problem is you just don’t know which Chelsea side is going to turn up.

“If Chelsea are at their best, then of course, Benfica don’t stand a chance. But Benfica are a side with plenty of talented players, and Jose Mourinho will know how to set them up to spring a surprise if Chelsea are off their game.

“If Chelsea turn up, then I think they will be able to bounce back from the weekend, but we can’t be sure there are any guarantees of that.”

Mourinho could still cut it as a Premier League manager

Mourinho won three Premier League titles in two spells with Chelsea, but after difficult tenures at Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce, doubts remain as to whether he could cut it at the top end of the Premier League if given an opportunity.

Despite his recent less than stellar record, Johnson thinks Mourinho still has near-peerless knowledge and experience, but does not see him coming back to England unless a top side gives him another shot.

“I think if the right opportunity in the Premier League comes up again for Jose Mourinho, he could definitely still cut it.

“He’s obviously still a good manager. What might have changed is what he wants out of the game at this stage of his career.

“Top managers are hard to come by, especially ones with the knowledge and experience that Mourinho has accumulated over the years. 90 percent of managers in the game will never get anywhere near what he has.

“You could understand if top clubs would still be tempted to give him a chance, and it’s just a question about whether Mourinho still has the energy and passion to do it. I think because of that, he’s not going to come back to try and keep a side in the league. He’s going to want the top four sides, looking to win stuff. Honestly, the chances of that happening again seem unlikely,” Johnson concluded.