Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe described Benfica’s José Mourinho as a “visionary” ahead of their Champions League encounter at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The Magpies’ boss, preparing to face the two-time European champion on the touchline, said he holds great admiration for the Portuguese coach, whose career has taken him through Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.
“He’s someone I’ve always admired,” Howe explained. “When I was a young coach, I looked up to the teams he built at Chelsea in particular. He changed how people thought about management and achieved so much in different countries. What he’s done is truly remarkable.”
Howe added that competing against Mourinho remains a privilege: “It’s always a great challenge to come up against one of his sides. I’m really looking forward to it—it should be an outstanding match.”
Mourinho’s Newcastle connection
Mourinho has often spoken fondly of Newcastle, referring to himself as “a little Magpie” because of his connection with the club’s former manager, Sir Bobby Robson.
During the 1990s, the Portuguese coach worked closely with Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto, and Barcelona, first as an interpreter and then as an assistant. The experience left a lasting impression on him, and he has regularly praised both the man and the club.
“I’ve heard José’s comments about Newcastle, and I share those sentiments,” Howe said. “His words about Sir Bobby and the influence he had on his career are special. But once the whistle blows, it’s all about the game. We need the points, and we’ll do everything to get them.”
Tonali fitness concern for Newcastle
Newcastle enter the European fixture after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League. Their preparations have been complicated by uncertainty over midfielder Sandro Tonali’s fitness, with the Italian struggling due to illness.
“We’ll give him every chance to recover,” Howe noted. “He didn’t train today, and he’s a key player for us, so we’ll use all the time we can to see if he’s ready.”
Mourinho praises Newcastle’s rise
Mourinho, now leading Benfica, believes Newcastle are heading towards even greater achievements under Howe. He pointed to the club’s steady progress since its ownership change and recent domestic success as evidence of strong foundations.
Last season, the Tyneside club lifted their first major trophy in 70 years by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final. Although Newcastle currently sits 13th in the Premier League, Mourinho cautioned against reading too much into their league standing.
“Don’t be fooled by their position,” he told reporters. “This club is closer to something bigger. Winning the League Cup was only the start. Competing in the Champions League is another major step.”
He went on to praise Newcastle’s decision-making under the new ownership. “Many clubs with new investment make mistakes, but Newcastle has maintained stability,” Mourinho said. “They choose players who fit their model. Everything they’ve done has been consistent. I have to congratulate Eddie, the club, and their supporters.”
