Jose Mourinho insists his nature hasn’t changed but admits he is “more mature” now as he gears up for Chelsea’s curtain-raiser against Hull City on Sunday.
The 50-year-old signed a four-year deal to take over at Stamford Bridge for a second time back in June after leaving west London in 2007 following his first stint in the Premier League.
Mourinho enjoyed successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid before agreeing to return to Chelsea earlier this summer.
And the Portuguese coach says he feels as confident as ever heading into the new Premier League season.
“I think people change. You try to improve and I think in your professional life it changes,” Mourinho told a news conference on Friday.
“Of course, I am more mature. I have – I wouldn’t say a different personality – but a different way of prioritising things in life and in football. I feel myself very confident, very stable, with great maturity.
“As I was saying, the idea is the same and my nature doesn’t change.”
Mourinho also stated his belief that the English top flight is as competitive as it has ever been.
He added: “I believe [the Premier League] is stronger because there is a bigger number of teams that can fight for the title.
“Probably stronger because it is more balance. But I think a few years ago, the better teams were better.”
Meanwhile, the Blues boss also delivered updates on Chelsea’s pursuit of Wayne Rooney and Barcelona’s bid to sign David Luiz.