Steve Bruce admits the return of the 'Mourinho factor' is something to be celebrated, even if it makes Hull's Barclays Premier League comeback even harder than it already was.
Tigers boss Bruce will go head to head with Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, in the first match of the Special One's second stint at Chelsea.
The Blues, who finished last season well off the pace of the title race, have been installed as favourites following the reappointment of the Portuguese and are widely expected to brush aside newly-promoted Hull.
But Bruce is an unashamed fan of his opposite number and is looking forward to the extra frisson his presence will bring.
"The fact that Jose is back is a 'wow'," said Bruce.
"I'm delighted he's back because we need people like him. He's quite remarkable in what he has done and not just at Chelsea; he's gone to Italy and done it; he's gone to Spain and done it; he started in Portugal and done it.
"That's the Mourinho factor. He brings certain standards and you can't argue with them because whether it's Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan or Real Madrid he wins the thing.
"I'm sure they'll be there or thereabouts.
"If we ever wanted a wake-up call about what the Premier League is all about we'll get it at Chelsea. It's a tough start for us.
"It's going to be packed to the rafters, the interest is remarkable in the return of Jose and we couldn't have wanted a bigger test or a bigger challenge. Let's hope this makes up for a lot of those dark, horrible nights in the Championship."
Source: PA
