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VIDEO SHOWS: JOSE MOURINHO PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF BENFICA'S TRIP TO CHELSEA IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESENDING TO CORRECT SLATE SHOWS: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. BENFICA MANAGER, JOSE MOURINHO, ARRIVING AT PRESS CONFERENCE 2. WHITE FLASH 3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSE MOURINHO, BENFICA MANAGER, SAYING:     "Of course, of course I will always be a Blue. I'm part of their history and 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'm not a Blue, I hope everybody understands that I'm speaking about the job that I have to do, that I have to do tomorrow." 4. WHITE FLASH 5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSE MOURINHO, BENFICA MANAGER, SAYING:     "Chelsea is a winning machine that had, in the past two or three years, a moment without trophies. But Chelsea won something before my time, and then we started winning, and then my team kept winning, and then transformation, new teams, new coaches, more trophies, European trophies, the biggest one of them, the Champions League. So Chelsea is a winning machine. I'm the biggest one until somebody wins for (unclear)." 6. WHITE FLASH 7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSE MOURINHO, BENFICA MANAGER, SAYING:     "We never know. After 25 years, I was expecting to go back to Portugal to the national team, not to Benfica." 8. WHITE FLASH 9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSE MOURINHO, BENFICA MANAGER, SAYING:     "Now I am in Benfica and I am very, very happy. Big responsibility, even for a guy like me with so many years, years of age and years of football. Benfica is a huge responsibility for different reasons, some of them I keep to myself, but to coach Benfica is a big responsibility. You know how I am. I just love it. And let's go tomorrow. It'll be my Chelsea until start, it'll be my Chelsea after the game. During the game that's my Benfica and the only thing that matters." 10. WHITE FLASH 11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSE MOURINHO, BENFICA MANAGER, TALKING ABOUT MANAGING CHELSEA FOR THE FIRST TIME, SAYING:     "At that time, I had different options, even to the Premier League. It was Chelsea, it was a happy marriage and the reason I came the second time is because, of course, I was so happy the first time. And as I was saying, I'm important in their history and they are very important in my history. I think it was a fantastic decision that I made, but to say it was the best? I can identify my worst decisions that I can identify clearly, but good decisions I had many." 12. WHITE FLASH 13. MOURINHO GREETING JOURNALISTS AS HE LEAVES PRESS CONFERENCE STORY: Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said on Monday (September 29) that he will always be a Blue as he prepares his Benfica side to take on Chelsea in the Champions League in London.     Mourinho had two successful spells as manager of Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and three League Cups in that time.     Speaking to reporters at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho admitted that the club will always be part of him.      "Of course I will always be a Blue. I'm part of their history and they are part of my history. I helped them to become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me to become a bigger Jose," Mourinho said, before adding that he will be all Benfica during the match.     Mourinho was sacked in August by Turkish side Fenerbahce after they lost to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round then less than three weeks later he was appointed coach of the Portuguese side.     Benfica were beaten 3-2 at home by Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan on matchday one while Chelsea opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. (Production: Ben Makori, Andy Ragg)

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VIDEO SHOWS: REAL MADRID AND KAIRAT TRAINING SESSIONS AND PRESS CONFERENCES AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: TO FOLLOW STORY: Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his side to shift focus to their Champions League campaign as they prepare to face debutants Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday (September 29), days after a humbling 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. Alonso found himself fielding questions in what may be the most remote press conference in Champions League history on Monday in Almaty – 6,441 kilometres from Madrid and the easternmost city ever to host a game in the competition. The Real Madrid coach faced a room packed with local media seizing the unique opportunity to host the record 15-times European Cup winners. Saturday's loss at the Metropolitano was Real's first defeat to their city rivals since January 2024 and the first time they had conceded five goals to Atletico in 75 years. Alonso called for lessons to be learned but stressed the importance of moving forward. "I think that both in victory and defeat, the feeling should last 24 hours. Then comes the analysis," Alonso told reporters. "It wasn't just about attitude; it was also pace, tactics – things about the game. We've done the analysis and we're going to use it." Real Madrid began their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille two weeks ago. Alonso emphasised the need to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location. "The match is just another match, it's not an excuse," he said of the long journey to Kazakhstan. "It doesn't matter who the opponent is or where we're playing – we want to win." The manager dismissed concerns about a lack of communication in the dressing room, describing his squad as a work in progress. "Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back," he said. "It hurts, but we're already in Champions League mode." Alonso remains optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back. "We weren’t at our best. It’s part of the learning process. It has hurt, but we’re thinking about what to do tomorrow. We don’t want to drop points," he said. Real Madrid’s packed schedule and the long-distance travel to Almaty will test their adaptability. "The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home."  (Production: Evgeniy Matveev, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: REAL MADRID AND KAIRAT TRAINING SESSIONS AND PRESS CONFERENCES AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: TO FOLLOW STORY: Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his side to shift focus to their Champions League campaign as they prepare to face debutants Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday (September 29), days after a humbling 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. Alonso found himself fielding questions in what may be the most remote press conference in Champions League history on Monday in Almaty – 6,441 kilometres from Madrid and the easternmost city ever to host a game in the competition. The Real Madrid coach faced a room packed with local media seizing the unique opportunity to host the record 15-times European Cup winners. Saturday's loss at the Metropolitano was Real's first defeat to their city rivals since January 2024 and the first time they had conceded five goals to Atletico in 75 years. Alonso called for lessons to be learned but stressed the importance of moving forward. "I think that both in victory and defeat, the feeling should last 24 hours. Then comes the analysis," Alonso told reporters. "It wasn't just about attitude; it was also pace, tactics – things about the game. We've done the analysis and we're going to use it." Real Madrid began their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille two weeks ago. Alonso emphasised the need to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location. "The match is just another match, it's not an excuse," he said of the long journey to Kazakhstan. "It doesn't matter who the opponent is or where we're playing – we want to win." The manager dismissed concerns about a lack of communication in the dressing room, describing his squad as a work in progress. "Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back," he said. "It hurts, but we're already in Champions League mode." Alonso remains optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back. "We weren’t at our best. It’s part of the learning process. It has hurt, but we’re thinking about what to do tomorrow. We don’t want to drop points," he said. Real Madrid’s packed schedule and the long-distance travel to Almaty will test their adaptability. "The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home."  (Production: Evgeniy Matveev, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: REAL MADRID AND KAIRAT TRAINING SESSIONS AND PRESS CONFERENCES AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SHOTLIST SHOWS: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) (UEFA – See restrictions) 1. SPRINKLERS SPRAYING PITCH AT ALMATY CENTRAL STADIUM 2. AERIAL OF PITCH FROM BACK OF NETS 3. VARIOUS OF REAL MADRID PLAYERS ON THE PITCH 4. REAL MADRID HEAD COACH, XABI ALONSO, SEATED AT START OF PRESS CONFERENCE 5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAL MADRID HEAD COACH, XABI ALONSO, SAYING: 6. ALONSO AT TRAINING 7. DEFENDER, ALVARO CARRERAS, TALKING TO MIDFIELDER, JUDE BELLINGHAM 8. PLAYERS JOGGING AS SEEN THROUGH NET 9. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAL MADRID HEAD COACH, XABI ALONSO, SAYING: 10. FORWARD, KYLIAN MBAPPE, AND MIDFIELDER, EDUARDO CAMAVINGA, AMONG PLAYERS JOGGING AND WALKING DURING WARM-UPS 11. MBAPPE WALKING 12. DEFENDER, RAUL ASENCIO, PASSING TO FORWARD, VINICIUS JUNIOR 13. VARIOUS OF VINICIUS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAL MADRID HEAD COACH, XABI ALONSO, SAYING: 15. ALONSO LEAVING PRESS CONFERENCE 16. BELLINGHAM PASSING FOOTBALL 17. FOOTBALLS 18. WIDE OF TRAINING 19. MBAPPE 20. GOALKEEPER, THIBAUT COURTOIS 21. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAL MADRID MIDFIELDER, FEDERICO VALVERDE, SAYING: 22. KAIRAT MIDFIELDER, OFRI ARAD, AND FORWARD, DASTAN SATPAEV, WALKING OUT FOR TRAINING 23. MORE PLAYERS WALKING OUT FOR TRAINING 24. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS PASSING BALL AROUND IN A CIRCLE 25. HEAD COACH, RAFAEL URAZBAKHTIN, ADDRESSING PLAYERS IN HUDDLE 26. SATPAEV IN HUDDLE 27. HUDDLE BREAKING UP 28. URAZBAKHTIN AND DEFENDER, YEGOR SOROKIN, ENTERING PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM 29. URAZBAKHTIN AND SOROKIN SEATED 30. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RAFAEL URAZBAKHTIN, KAIRAT HEAD COACH, SAYING: "Of course, this game is historic for all of us, for the whole of Kazakhstan, for our club, for us coaches and for the players. This game is probably beyond the ordinary game. And of course we are all looking forward to tomorrow's game." 31. MIDFIELDER, VALERIY GROMYKO, WARMING UP 32. PLAYERS WARMING UP 33. MIDFIELDERS, GIORGI ZARIA AND, DAN GLAZER, AND DEFENDER, ALEKSANDR SHIROBOKOV AMONG PLAYERS WARMING UP 34. URAZBAKHTIN LAUGHING WITH ASSISTANT 35. URAZBAKHTIN AND SOROKIN DURING PRESS CONFERENCE 36. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RAFAEL URAZBAKHTIN, KAIRAT HEAD COACH, SAYING: "This (Real Madrid) is a high-level competitor. We understand it will be difficult for us (to win). But we will try to use what (Real's weak points) we have seen. We believe they have some moments (weak points) that we will try to utilise in tomorrow's game." 37. PLAYERS WARMING UP 38. PLAYERS STRETCHING 39. VARIOUS OF GOALKEEPER, SHERHAN KALMURZA, TRAINING   STORY: Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his side to shift focus to their Champions League campaign as they prepare to face debutants Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday (September 30), days after a humbling 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. Alonso found himself fielding questions in what may be the most remote press conference in Champions League history on Monday in Almaty – 6,441 kilometres from Madrid and the easternmost city ever to host a game in the competition. The Real Madrid coach faced a room packed with local media seizing the unique opportunity to host the record 15-times European Cup winners. Saturday's loss at the Metropolitano was Real's first defeat to their city rivals since January 2024 and the first time they had conceded five goals to Atletico in 75 years. Alonso called for lessons to be learned but stressed the importance of moving forward. "I think that both in victory and defeat, the feeling should last 24 hours. Then comes the analysis," Alonso told reporters. "It wasn't just about attitude; it was also pace, tactics – things about the game. We've done the analysis and we're going to use it." Real Madrid began their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille two weeks ago. Alonso emphasised the need to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location. "The match is just another match, it's not an excuse," he said of the long journey to Kazakhstan. "It doesn't matter who the opponent is or where we're playing – we want to win." The manager dismissed concerns about a lack of communication in the dressing room, describing his squad as a work in progress. "Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back," he said. "It hurts, but we're already in Champions League mode." Alonso remains optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back. "We weren’t at our best. It’s part of the learning process. It has hurt, but we’re thinking about what to do tomorrow. We don’t want to drop points," he said. Real Madrid’s packed schedule and the long-distance travel to Almaty will test their adaptability. "The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home."  (Production: Evgeniy Matveev, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: BENFICA'S AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE AWAY TO CHELSEA COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW SHOWS: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) TO FOLLOW STORY: Chelsea will welcome Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday (September 30), with the Portuguese coach returning to the London club where he won three Premier League titles across two spells. Mourinho, who returned to Benfica 25 years after his first stint, managed Chelsea from 2004–2007 and 2013–2015, delivering a haul of trophies that cemented his reputation as one of Europe's best managers at the time. Mourinho, appointed at Benfica on September 18, inherited a team unbeaten in their opening four league games with three wins and a draw and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Mourinho was sacked in August by Turkish side Fenerbahce after they lost to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round. Then on September 18, the 62-year old was hired by Benfica where he first cut his coaching teeth 25 years ago and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Benfica were beaten 3-2 at home by Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan on matchday one, prompting the sacking of head coach Bruno Lage, while Chelsea opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. (Production: Ben Makori, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: BAYERN MUNICH HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF THEIR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST PAFOS  COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: BENFICA'S AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE AWAY TO CHELSEA COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW SHOWS: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) TO FOLLOW STORY: Chelsea will welcome Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday (September 30), with the Portuguese coach returning to the London club where he won three Premier League titles across two spells. Mourinho, who returned to Benfica 25 years after his first stint, managed Chelsea from 2004–2007 and 2013–2015, delivering a haul of trophies that cemented his reputation as one of Europe's best managers at the time. Mourinho, appointed at Benfica on September 18, inherited a team unbeaten in their opening four league games with three wins and a draw and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Mourinho was sacked in August by Turkish side Fenerbahce after they lost to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round. Then on September 18, the 62-year old was hired by Benfica where he first cut his coaching teeth 25 years ago and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Benfica were beaten 3-2 at home by Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan on matchday one, prompting the sacking of head coach Bruno Lage, while Chelsea opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. (Production: Ben Makori, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: BAYERN MUNICH HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF THEIR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST PAFOS  COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: BAYERN MUNICH HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF THEIR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST PAFOS  COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)