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Join NowPremier League: The air at Stamford Bridge crackled with a familiar electricity, but it wasn’t just for Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Benfica. The returning shadow of Jose Mourinho, the legendary figure who delivered three Premier League titles to West London, loomed large. His presence starkly highlighted a curious predicament for current manager Enzo Maresca, a man who, despite recent European and World Club Cup triumphs, finds himself in a relentless battle for the affections – and full conviction – of the demanding Chelsea faithful.
Mourinho’s assertion that many Chelsea managers live in his shadow felt acutely prescient. Just two minutes into the game, a thunderous serenade erupted for the ‘Special One,’ a stark reminder of the deep, almost tribal connection he forged with the fans. This legendary Chelsea boss instilled a ruthless winning mentality that defined an era. In contrast, Maresca, despite his impressive recent silverware (the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup), hasn’t yet seen his name sung with the same fervent passion. This lingering doubt among supporters isn’t a call for mutiny, but rather an ongoing debate about whether Maresca’s distinct brand of football tactics is truly the optimal approach for this incredibly expensive Chelsea squad.
A narrow, unconvincing 1-0 victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday did little to quell the ongoing discussions. While a win was desperately needed after losing three of their previous four matches and falling to Bayern Munich on Matchday 1, the performance itself left much to be desired. This Champions League fixture was a crucial test, and while the result offered temporary relief, the underlying concerns about Chelsea’s form persist.
The Decisive Moment & Unconvincing Performance:
The game’s only goal arrived in the 18th minute. A sweeping ball from Pedro Neto found Alejandro Garnacho, the former Manchester United winger. His cross was then unfortunately turned into his own net by Richard Ríos for an own goal, securing the precious three points for Chelsea Football Club.
Individually, there were glimpses of quality. Neto showed his attacking threat, Moisés Caicedo was, as often, a heavily influential presence in the midfield battle, and Garnacho started brightly before his impact faded. However, collectively, the team lacked cohesion and conviction. Benfica, far from being overwhelmed, created their own nervy moments. Dodi Lukebakio struck the post early on, and Fredrik Aursnes failed to capitalize on a promising second-half opportunity, highlighting Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities and their struggle to truly dominate the game.
Maresca’s Challenges & The Youthful Blues:
In fairness to Enzo Maresca, he is navigating a challenging period riddled with extenuating circumstances. A significant injury crisis has sidelined four key center-backs, alongside the crucial creative spark of Cole Palmer and summer signing Liam Delap. João Pedro, another important forward, was only fit enough for the final half-hour, and even then, he couldn’t complete the match, receiving two yellow cards – making him the third Chelsea player sent off in just four games. These disciplinary issues are undoubtedly adding pressure on the young squad.
These factors forced Maresca to field a remarkably youthful lineup, with an average age of just 24 – the youngest Chelsea Champions League starting XI in the club’s illustrious history. This inexperienced group collectively boasted only 42 appearances in the competition. For stark context, Jose Mourinho was overseeing his 146th Champions League match on the very same night.
Maresca, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the situation: “We lost at Bayern, but I think the team was good. We played face to face there against a team that’s always been in the quarterfinals and semifinals in the last five, six or seven years. For us, the Champions League is a journey that started this season and hopefully game after game, we can get better. We needed the win for different reasons. It was good to win tonight in any case. Sometimes you need to learn to win in an ugly way like in the last minutes of the game. At least we learn how to win a game with a red card.” His comments reflect the ongoing team development and the harsh realities of European football.
The Mourinho Spectacle:
Jose Mourinho’s return was a masterclass in performance. While his reception at former clubs hasn’t always been universally warm, the sincerity with which Chelsea supporters acknowledged his profound contribution was undeniable. It was a curious sight to see him back in the dugout he made his own during two iconic spells between 2004-2007 and 2013-2015. His strategic positioning, often seeking the center of attention, remains a hallmark of his enduring appeal.
From staff seeking a moment with him to his peacemaking efforts with Benfica fans throwing objects at former player Enzo Fernández, Mourinho commanded the spotlight. Even German referee Daniel Siebert couldn’t resist, issuing him a yellow card for his typical vigorous protests. Mourinho’s post-match comment – “I don’t feed myself with these memories. I feed myself with victories” – encapsulates his legendary win-at-all-costs mentality, a trait that continues to resonate with fans and often leaves his successors grappling with an almost insurmountable legacy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s journey at Chelsea is still in its early stages, marked by both promising moments and significant challenges. While he has brought silverware, the spectre of Jose Mourinho and the high expectations of Chelsea fans mean he must continue to prove that his vision for Chelsea football can deliver not just wins, but also the consistent, compelling performances that forge an unbreakable bond with the club’s demanding global fanbase. The debate, and the pressure, are far from over for the current Chelsea manager.
