Jose Mourinho is set to meet Newcastle United in the Champions League as he closes in on a move back to Benfica.
After being sacked by Fenerbahce, Mourinho is set to take the Benfica job in what would be a stunning homecoming.
The 62-year-old began his managerial career with the Lisbon giants back in 2000 but lasted only a short while before leaving due to problems behind the scenes.
Now, he’s reportedly set to return to his home country and will likely be in charge when Benfica meet Newcastle in the Champions League.
They will travel to St James’ Park next month and it appears as if Mourinho will be coming with a point to prove.
Jose Mourinho managing Fenerbahce against Feyenoord.
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho wants to prove people wrong
Much has been made about the decline in Mourinho’s managerial methods.
He hasn’t won a league title since leading Chelsea to the Premier League crown during the 2014/15 season, with many seeing his style of management as outdated in the modern era.
However, according to The Daily Telegraph, the former Real Madrid manager is out to prove he can still compete at Champions League level. His last appearance in that competition came back in 2020.
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While he’s aware that many may see him as something of a relic these days, he feels the level of support he will get at Benfica could see him start to change the narrative.
Jose Mourinho rejected Newcastle United to join Benfica
Before becoming a manager, Mourinho rejected two jobs at Newcastle United.
He worked closely with Sir Bobby Robson during the earlier stage of his career and was offered the role of assistant manager by the Newcastle legend.
However, Mourinho snubbed that chance and did so again when Robson suggested he would give the manager’s job to him after a few years on his staff.
Mourinho didn’t believe a man as committed to the game as Robson could walk away from his job.
“Since Bobby suspected I wouldn’t accept it, he told me it would only be for a year, two tops, and that at the end of that time I would be head coach and he the club manager [likely a sporting director role],” he said.
“But he had forgotten that I had worked with him for many years and so I knew him well.
“It is unthinkable to picture him as a manager [director], watching from the stands.
“But I didn’t take him up on his offer, knowing sooner or later, my time would come.”