Newcastle United is an uncharted territory for José Mourinho. Mourinho always spends a few minutes silently honoring his mentor’s memory by standing beside the statue of Sir Bobby Robson outside the Milburn Stand when he is in St. James’ Park.
Mourinho, who is returning to north-east England for a Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday night, turned down Robson’s 1999 request for the Portuguese to become his deputy manager at Newcastle with the goal of eventually becoming the team’s manager.
The next year, Robson’s former translator, who is now Barcelona’s number two, began his own managerial journey with a brief stint at Benfica. He succeeded the fired Bruno Lage last month at the Estádio da Luz, and now, after a tumultuous time at Fenerbahce, the wheel has turned completely around and he is back in command.
Although the 62-year-old’s previous outings with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham resulted in just three victories, Tuesday night’s game will be his 13th competitive appearance on Tyneside as manager. How he would take great pride in winning his fourth game against a team that Mourinho has always claimed to have an odd bond with because of Robson.
Last month, he told interviewers in Portugal, “I’m a little Magpie.” “The club up there is aware of my admiration and respect for them. That’s what Mr. Robson told me.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, was fully aware that Mourinho had developed cordial ties with the Saudi Arabian ownership of the team over the previous season when he was unhappy in Istanbul. He would really enjoy defeating Benfica.
On the surface, however, Howe was unanimous in his admiration for the Portuguese on Monday, calling Mourinho “one of the all-time managerial greats.”
The manager of Newcastle stated: “I believe you must say that.” Just because we’re playing them tomorrow doesn’t mean that I’m saying that. I really do believe. When he first came to our nation, he had an amazing influence at Chelsea. He and his teams exuded a certain vibe. In terms of coaching, he greatly influenced me.
Aside from any personal advantage, Newcastle would benefit from reaffirming their belief that they are far superior to their Premier League standing. Third-place Benfica in the Primeira Liga should serve as a helpful litmus test, especially because they seem to be getting better under Mourinho and managed a respectable 0-0 draw against the top-seeded Porto in their most recent league match. The visitors now aim to earn their first Champions League point of the season, or at least points.
Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Porto and Inter, believes Benfica is gaining from a more experienced and mature version of the Special One. He asserted that “people change for the better.” “I’m less self-centered and more altruistic. I consider the enjoyment I can share and the good I can do for others more than I do myself. I am currently in a more mature stage of my career.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is going through a little change. If Nick Woltemade, their new £70 million striker from Germany, has taken off, Howe’s wingers have occasionally faltered, with Anthony Elanga, a £55 million summer acquisition from Nottingham Forest, failing to have the expected effect.
Howe, who might be without Sandro Tonali in central midfield on Tuesday night after the Italy international missed Monday’s training due to a sickness, praised Anthony as an exceptional talent. “I have no doubts about Anthony’s long-term abilities. He is, however, going through a phase of settling in. He needs to slightly modify his approach. He has a lot more to offer, in my opinion.
However, I believe that as a team, we’re on the verge of becoming more and achieving better outcomes. Despite our frustration, I don’t believe we’re very far apart. All we need to do is maintain our convictions. We just need the outcomes to show that we’ve put up some truly impressive performances. We are desperate to go to the Champions League knockout stage.
It was nearly 8 p.m. on Monday when a somewhat tanned Mourinho, sporting a stylish white Benfica tracksuit and clearly feeling a great deal of affection for Howe and Newcastle, strolled into the media room due to a delayed flight from Lisbon.
“During my six years of working with Sir Bobby Robson, he never failed to express his pride and love for Newcastle, the city, the region, and the football team,” Mourinho remarked.
Because of a renowned figure at our club, I have never concealed how much I love Newcastle. A great spot to play football is St. James’ Park. Individuals come here to play the game with them, not to watch it. This club, its history, its passion, and its supporters are more important than the stadium alone.
With their current financial clout with the owners, the squad is on the verge of even greater success. The culture in this area is considerably different from that of Manchester and London, which makes it a very special club. I enjoy playing here. “It’s beautiful here, and you will feel that atmosphere tomorrow evening,” I told my guys.
He’s not undervaluing Newcastle, mind you. The crew we’re facing is extremely powerful and physically fit. They are a fantastic team, but their league standing misleads ignorant people. Newcastle is doing everything correctly.
After controlling them for a day, a portion of the Special One hankers after them. Mourinho demurred while grinning. They don’t now require a coach, in my opinion. Additionally, I hope they won’t require one in the upcoming years. That would indicate that Eddie and the club are doing well, which is what I want.
Additionally, I couldn’t be happier or more driven at any other club at this point in my career than I am at Benfica. I wouldn’t trade Benfica for any other team.
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