Legendary former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could barely hold back his emotions after watching his former club secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, the Portuguese icon — who guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his two spells at the club — delivered a glowing tribute to Enzo Maresca’s youthful Chelsea side.
“Chelsea is a team I know inside out. You rarely see them lose against the biggest clubs — they always rise to the occasion in finals and tough matches. Tonight’s win over Liverpool is another strong proof of that,” Mourinho said, his voice filled with pride and nostalgia.
Mourinho’s Emotional Praise for the New Chelsea Era
The victory — sealed by Estêvão Willian’s stoppage-time strike — has reignited excitement around Stamford Bridge and stirred conversations about Chelsea’s growing potential to challenge for trophies this season.
Currently managing Fenerbahçe in Turkey, Mourinho revealed he watched the game with “the same fire” he once felt on the touchline at Stamford Bridge. The timing of his remarks made them even more poignant: exactly 20 years since his iconic arrival in 2004, a moment that began an era of dominance that changed English football forever.
For a man famously nicknamed “The Special One,” offering such open praise for his former club speaks volumes — especially as Chelsea continue to evolve under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Estêvão’s Last-Minute Magic Seals the Win
The game’s defining moment came deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, Cole Palmer threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Estêvão, Chelsea’s 18-year-old Brazilian sensation signed for £50 million from Palmeiras.
With composure beyond his years, Estêvão slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner, sending the 40,000 fans at Stamford Bridge into absolute ecstasy. His goal lifted Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League table — while Liverpool suffered their third defeat in five games under new manager Arne Slot.
It was a finish that captured everything Mourinho once demanded from his Chelsea teams: grit, confidence, and a refusal to bow under pressure.
“That’s Chelsea,” Mourinho added. “Even when they’re young, even when they’re rebuilding — they never stop believing. That’s the DNA of this club.”
Chelsea’s Rising Momentum Under Maresca
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s blend of youth and tactical innovation is beginning to click. The likes of Estêvão, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill are embodying a new era — one driven by energy, adaptability, and hunger. Saturday’s victory not only showcased Chelsea’s mental strength but also their ability to rise against top opposition, something Mourinho was quick to highlight.
The win marks Chelsea’s fourth in six league games, signaling real progress after early-season struggles and mounting pressure on Maresca.
As Mourinho summed up perfectly:
“Big clubs win big moments. Chelsea did that tonight — and it reminded me of the old days.”