José Mourinho has spoken of his deep affection for Newcastle United, a club he associates with his mentor Sir Bobby Robson, ahead of Benfica's Champions League visit to St James' Park on Tuesday. The Portuguese manager, now in his second spell at Benfica, revealed that he always pays silent tribute to Robson's statue outside the stadium, recalling the six years they worked together at Barcelona.
Mourinho, who turned down an offer from Robson to join Newcastle as assistant manager in 1999, described himself as a 'little Magpie' in a recent interview. 'The club up there know how much love and respect I have for them. I learned that from Mr Robson,' he said. The 62-year-old's managerial career began at Benfica the following year, and he now returns to Tyneside for the 13th time as a manager, having won only three of his previous visits with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged Mourinho's status as 'one of the all-time managerial greats', noting the impact he made at Chelsea. Howe's side, despite a strong start to the season, are seeking to confirm their quality after a mixed Premier League campaign. Benfica, third in the Primeira Liga, are aiming for their first Champions League points after a creditable 0-0 draw at Porto.
Mourinho, a Champions League winner with Porto and Inter, believes he has evolved as a manager. 'People change for the better. I'm more altruistic, less egocentric. I think less about myself and more about the good I can do for others,' he said. Newcastle may be without midfielder Sandro Tonali due to illness, while winger Anthony Elanga, a £55m summer signing, is still adapting. Howe remains optimistic: 'We're close to becoming something more and getting better results.'
