Sir Bobby Robson had Newcastle United in his heart, and he certainly understood the magnitude of facing Sunderland.
Newcastle United beat Benfica on Tuesday night, as Jose Mourinho made another visit to St James’ Park.
Mourinho’s strong connection with Sir Bobby Robson means Newcastle have a special place in his heart.
The duo worked together at multiple clubs, and Robson’s love for Newcastle rubbed off on Mourinho.
Bobby Robson is seen on the sideline before a Newcastle United Premier League game against Southampton in 2003.
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Ex-Newcastle United defender shares Sir Bobby Robson’s rage
Robson sadly passed away in 2009, but he will always be remembered fondly in Newcastle.
Robson spent five years in charge of Newcastle, taking charge of his boyhood club in 1999 before leaving in 2004.
A lifelong Newcastle fan, Robson understood the magnitude of being involved with the Magpies – and that included derby day against Sunderland.
Speaking to ZeroZero before Newcastle’s clash with Benfica, former Magpies defender Helder Cristovao commented on Robson.
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One moment came to mind for the Portuguese ace, as he remembered Robson’s pure rage after one game against Sunderland.
Helder scored as Newcastle went 2-0 up against Sunderland in February 2000, but Kevin Phillips scored twice to rescue a draw for the Black Cats.
Helder remembers his goal well, but noted that Robson went ‘crazy’ and ranted at the Newcastle squad for two hours after Sunderland’s late equaliser.
The former defender praised Robson as a ‘magnificent, enormous character’, and named him as Newcastle’s greatest figure alongside Alan Shearer.
“Solano took a free kick from the left, and I deflected it well at the near post. The worst part was at the end of the game,” said Helder.
“They tied near the end, and Mr. Robson went crazy. We spent two hours listening to him in the locker room; he was so sick it’s hard to even remember.
“He was a magnificent, enormous character; his name towered over all of us. No ego could survive; he crushed them all. Robson and Shearer were, and I believe still are, Newcastle’s greatest figures,” he added.
Eddie Howe will look to take Sunderland down again
Newcastle travel to take on Sunderland on 14 December for the latest instalment in the Tyne-Wear derby.
This gives Eddie Howe another chance to defeat the Black Cats in their own back yard.
Newcastle beat Sunderland 3-0 in the FA Cup back in 2024, winning the first meeting between the two sides in almost eight years.
Sunderland have adjusted to Premier League life well, but Newcastle must take on Robson’s spirit and leave derby day as winners.
Robson knew that winning was the only outcome for Newcastle, and Howe will look for his players to take a similar approach come December.