Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of SL Benfica reacts as he speaks to the media during a SL Benfica Press Conference at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of SL Benfica reacts as he speaks to the media during a SL Benfica Press Conference at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has commented on his affection for Newcastle United and St James’ Park ahead of Benfica’s Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
Jose Mourinho admitted he loves coming to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, despite an indifferent record on Tyneside.
The Portuguese manager won just once at St James’ Park in the Premier League as a manager but is looking forward to facing The Magpies once again as Benfica manager in the Champions League.
The match will also see Mourinho return to St James’ Park for the first time since a 2-2 draw as Tottenham Hotspur manager back in April 2021.
Newcastle will be looking to build on a 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise last time out in the Champions League while Benfica are still looking to pick up their first points in the group phase after losses against Qarabag and Chelsea in their opening two games.
Jose Mourinho ‘loves’ St James’ Park
When asked about the prospect of coming up against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, Mourinho said: “I love playing here, I said that to the players yesterday. "It's beautiful playing here, it's fantastic here. It's an extraordinary atmosphere.
"People don't come here to watch the game, they come here to play the game with their team."
“This city has a totally different culture to London, and the big clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.”
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Mourinho previously managed Chelsea over two spells but was keen to point out the unique nature of Newcastle.
“It’s magical playing here,” Mourinho added. “Newcastle, since the takeover, are heading in the right direction, they have signed the right profile of players and with Eddie [Howe] they are a great team.
“I don’t think they need a [new] coach, I don’t think they’ll need me and I hope it goes well for Eddie.
“I wouldn’t change Benfica for any club in the world.”
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