Jose Mourinho enjoys a warm relationship with Newcastle United due to his Sir Bobby Robson connection.
Jose Mourinho is set to be appointed as Benfica manager - one of Newcastle United’s opponents in the Champions League.
The 62-year-old has only been out of work for three weeks after being sacked by Fenerbahce. Ironically, the Turkish giants pulled the trigger after Benfica beat them in the Champions League play-offs.
Mourinho has jetted to Lisbon for negotiations and, if appointed, will replace former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage. Newcastle are set to entertain Benfica at St James’ Park on October 21.
Jose Mourinho on Benfica talks
Never one to shy away from the press, Mourinho confirmed he is having talks with As Aguias. He said: “What I can confirm is that, before I caught the plane, Benfica asked me if I was interested in coaching them.
“I said yes. I said I was abroad and that when I returned to Portugal I would have all the interest in talking with them. My nature is wanting to coach. I told myself that I wanted to balance myself emotionally.
“I didn’t want to say yes to the wrong club, just because I am a workaholic. When asked if I wanted to coach Benfica, I did not think twice. It interests me.”
Patchy record at St James’ Park
Mourinho has only won three of his 12 games across various clubs at St James’ Park. Only one of those came in the Premier League, a 3-1 behind-closed-doors clash in July 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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‘A little Magpies’ - Jose Mourinho
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2020, Mourinho admitted to feeling a "connection" with Newcastle due to Sir Bobby Robson. The Portuguese famously worked as an interpreter - and de facto coach - for the Toon legend at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
“It's a club I feel connection with because of Mr Robson, it's a simple as that,” Mourinho said. “He had a huge passion for Newcastle and his area, Durham. He had it in his heart. So, through him I have become a little Magpie!”
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