Mourinho ready for 'emotional' return to Chelsea dugout against Hull

Returning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted his first match back in charge at the club will be an emotional occasion.
The Portuguese manager begins his second spell in the Chelsea dugout at home to Hull City, scheduled for August 17.
And though an opening fixture against a newly-promoted side will be welcome, Chelsea have a mouth-watering clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford the week after, and also travel to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in their first six matches.

Emotional: Returning Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted it will be an emotional return to the Stamford Bridge dugout

'Starting the season at home is a great way for our supporters to show the players they are ready to be behind the team all the way,' said Mourinho.
'At the same time, it is a great way for the players to show how much they are motivated and committed.
'I am so happy to start at the Bridge, but at the same time Hull City is a team who were promoted from the Championship and they will have that spirit, even if now they are in the Premier League,' added Mourinho on Chelsea's website.

New faces: Andre Schurrle (left) has already joined Mourinho at Chelsea, while Edinson Cavani is a top priority

'So it is an emotional but a hard start.
'I wish every club well for the season and I especially hope we can all make it a great competition for Premier League fans all around the world.'

But Hull have vowed to spoil Mourinho's return party in his first match back as Chelsea manager.

Spoiler: Hull City and Ireland midfielder David Meyler (left) insists his team can shock Chelsea on the opening day

Steve Bruce's newly-promoted Hull side are Mourinho's first opponents on August 17 at Stamford Bridge - but his second will be Manchester United at Old Trafford a week later.
Hull's Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler insists they can pull off a shock.

He said: 'I'm sure the manager will have us all fired up and ready to go for that opening game against Chelsea.
'Jose Mourinho will do the same with his players and they'll be hoping to win the league. It will be tough, but maybe we can spoil his party.'

Back in the top flight: Steve Bruce will look forward to managing in the top-flight once more

Manchester United's new boss David Moyes will get his season underway at Swansea, followed by Chelsea at home and then trips to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Liverpool kick off their campaign at home to Stoke, with their new manager Mark Hughes, and former Reds defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News a good start was vital for Brendan Rodgers' men.

Good start: Jamie Carragher says his ex-club Liverpool will be looking for a win against Stoke

He said: 'They'll look at that Stoke game - Mark Hughes' first game as well, so they'll be desperate to get off to a good start - it's a good game for Liverpool. I'm sure they will be looking to get three points and hopefully use that as a platform to push on.
'In the first couple of games, hopefully they can get three, four, maybe six points and get off to a good start.
'That's certainly what they need because Liverpool need to be doing a lot better in terms of challenging for the top four and getting back into the top four. They really need to make a good start.'