Maresca looking forward to facing ‘legend’ Mourinho

Enzo Maresca says it will be a “privilege” to face Jose Mourinho in the Champions League.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho brings his Benfica side to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday – with the current Blues boss under some pressure following back-to-back defeats.

“It’s a privilege to face Jose…a legend for this club,” declared Maresca, whose team won the Conference League and Club World Cup in his first year at the helm.

However, he has a tough task emulating the success of Mourinho, whose trophy-laden spells established his status as an icon of English football.

But Maresca said: “I feel already quite lucky to be in some pictures at the training ground with the Club World Cup and Conference League after one season.

“The target hopefully is one day we can all together enjoy these kinds of moments.”

Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos are doubts for the game.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference on Monday, Maresca explained that all three players would need to be assessed to see if they are fit enough to be involved.

“This afternoon we are going to assess Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos,” said Maresca.

“They are all players, unfortunately for us, with small problems. We will see if tomorrow they are going to be available.

“But we have a squad big enough to replace the injuries we have.”

Chelsea go into the game after back-to-back defeats, having lost 3-1 at home to Brighton on Saturday.