A photo of Jose Mourinho and Thresa Conneely
Jose Mourinho’s pre-match conference ahead of Benfica’s game against Chelsea in the ongoing 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League was filled with emotions and memories.
The Portuguese legend met the press at Stamford Bridge on Monday, September 29, 2025, where he thanked Chelsea for not erasing his memories despite coaching rivals clubs in the past.
“I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history. They are part of my history. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea.”
“And they helped me to become a bigger Jose. When I say I am not a Blue, I am only speaking about the job I have to do tomorrow,” part of Jose Mourinho’s pre-match conference read.
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As he walked through the tunnel area after the pre-match conference, Mourinho spotted Thresa Conneely, a long-time Chelsea staff member he had worked with during his two spells at the club.
Thresa and Jose embraced tightly, exchanging a few words that carried more emotion than any press conference could.
The recognition was instant, and Mourinho’s serious demeanor melted into a warm smile. The bond between them reflected not just professionalism, but years of shared memories, triumphs, and struggles that defined an era for the Blues.
Thresa Conneely has been working at Chelsea for 48 years and is the current Press and Accreditation Officer.
Watch the video below of the moment between Jose Mourinho and Thresa Conneely:
Jose Mourinho is back at Stamford Bridge and was reunited with a Chelsea staff member who worked at the club for 48 years. 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/4vhaTRCw4n
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 29, 2025
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