Jose Mourinho believes the strength of Eddie Howe’s squad at Newcastle United affords him a “total luxury”.
On Tuesday night, Newcastle United beat Benfica 3-0 to record their second Champions League win of the season.
Howe’s side started strongly but faded in the first half until Anthony Gordon’s goal settled a few nerves inside St James’ Park.
A Harvey Barnes brace then sealed a vital three points for Newcastle United, who now have eyes on reaching at least the play-off spot in the next stage of the competition.
In the end, they blew Mourinho’s side away. Benfica had a few moments, mainly through impressive winger Dodi Lukebakio, but did not score when they were on top.
After the game, Mourinho reflected on the many talents Howe is able to call upon in the Newcastle United squad.
Harvey Barnes celebrates after scoring Newcastle United's second goal against Benfica in the Champions League.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho says having Harvey Barnes on the bench is a “total luxury”
The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ was speaking to beIN Sports after the full-time whistle.
The former Chelsea manager claimed his side were dealing with Newcastle’s threats well until the second-half.
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Two brilliant Barnes goals put the game out of reach for Benfica and Mourinho claimed that having a player that good on the bench is a “luxury” for Howe.
“Every set-piece is very difficult to control but we did,” he said. “In the second half, it was different with the second goal.
“And with the changes Eddie made. Bringing fresh people, Barnes on the bench is a luxury – a total luxury. Then they kill us in transition, speed, intensity, we couldn’t cope.”
Harvey Barnes gives Eddie Howe a problem at Newcastle United
That was the third goal Barnes has scored in the Champions League this season following his strike against Union Saint-Gilloise.
He looked dangerous from a right-wing berth on Tuesday night and that is an issue for Howe.
Indeed, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga currently battle for that spot but neither has looked as clinical as Barnes did against the Lisbon giants.
It’s a nice problem for Howe to have but it’s an issue all the same. An out of position Barnes has to be putting pressure on at least Elanga now