He is a phenomenal player - Mourinho hails Chelsea star ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho || iMAGE CREDIT: iMAGO

He is a phenomenal player - Mourinho hails Chelsea star ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge

Hassan Abdulsalam 17:44 - 28.09.2025

Mourinho hails Cole Palmer as phenomenal ahead of Chelsea reunion

Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has branded Chelsea forward Cole Palmer a “phenomenal player” as he prepares for a Champions League reunion at Stamford Bridge.

 

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Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer (Photo Credit: FIFA) Cole Palmer’s post-Club World Cup remarks have been lauded (Credit: FIFA)

Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles during two trophy-laden spells in charge of Chelsea, will lead Benfica to West London on matchday two of the Champions League.

Palmer, however, will not feature due to a lingering groin injury picked up during the Club World Cup.

What Mourinho said

Despite the England international’s absence, Mourinho insisted Chelsea remain formidable opponents.

Jose Mourinho returns to Benfica. (Photo Credit: TiuchlineX/X)

“I’m happy with that, he’s a phenomenal player. But I think they have a good team, in a way that if Cole Palmer doesn’t play it’s not a problem for them.

If (Heorhiy) Sudakov doesn’t play or if (Vangelis) Pavlidis doesn’t play, I am in big trouble. But for Chelsea, no problem,” Mourinho told Mail Sport.

Palmer has become a talismanic figure for Chelsea since his move from Manchester City, starring in their Club World Cup triumph and continuing his fine form in the Premier League.