After Eddie Howe spoke to the press on Monday afternoon, Jose Mourinho sat down in St James’ Park’s media suite and took questions ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash between Newcastle and Benfica.
The 62-year-old was in superb form as he spoke glowingly about the team Eddie Howe has built at Newcastle, insisting we are far better than our current position in the Premier League (14th) suggests.
Mourinho also hailed Newcastle fans, the “beautiful” St James’ Park and praised the culture of this football-mad city, insisting it’s nothing like what you see in London at Arsenal or Chelsea.
Of course, Jose also had some special words about the late great Sir Bobby Robson; his mentor during his time at Barcelona and someone he clearly thought of when Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
Mourinho also discussed the Newcastle job, admitting he has never been contacted about the opportunity to manage here and insisting he won’t be needed based on the brilliant work Howe has done on Tyneside. See all the quotes below.
Mourinho on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle
”Newcastle are a very strong team. Don’t look at the league and be fooled by their position.
“They are very organised, hand-picked players to play as per Eddie’s ideas, a tremendously physical team, very strong at direct play and set pieces. They have four very quick wingers, two on the pitch and two on the subs.”
Mourinho on St James’ Park
”It’s a stadium that plays with them. People don’t come here to watch the game, they come here to play the game with their team.”
”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.”
“This city has a totally different culture to London, and the big clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.”
Mourinho on Sir Bobby Robson
“He loved this club, he gave everything to this club. Of course, he would be so happy with that victory in the cup.
“I was very happy. I know that is not the target, I know that Newcastle and all the Geordies, what they want is bigger than the League Cup, but the League Cup is the beginning.”
Mourinho on the Newcastle job
“I don’t regret [not managing here] because I never had a chance to. Never close (to the manager’s job). Close to coming with Sir Bobby Robson (as assistant). That possibility came when I was starting to think about myself.
“There was a lot of media talk but I was never contacted by Newcastle, never.
“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.”
Like him or loath him, he has a real respect and soft spot for our club, city, area and what he has said about the great sir Bobby Robson and his family is very moving,, 🖤🤍🖤🤍
MorpethMag(Quote)