Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica at St James’ Park. Despite Mourinho’s recent struggles, Howe still regards him as a trailblazer who transformed modern football management. Below we will explain other interesting football news on The Football Insight.
Howe admitted that facing Mourinho is something he looks forward to, calling the Portuguese coach “a visionary” whose methods changed the game. “As a young coach, I admired the teams he built at Chelsea,” Howe said. “He broke the mold in how football was managed. What he’s achieved across leagues and clubs is simply incredible.”
The Magpies boss believes playing against one of Mourinho’s sides is both a challenge and an honor. “Every time you face one of his teams, you learn something,” Howe added. “It’s going to be a fantastic test, and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Mourinho Praises Howe and Newcastle’s Rise
In return, Mourinho has expressed his admiration for Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s progress under new ownership. The “Special One” revealed that he has a soft spot for the Magpies because of his connection with Sir Bobby Robson, under whom he worked early in his career.
“I’m happy to see Newcastle doing so well,” Mourinho said. “They’re building something the right way no chaos, no waste. Eddie and the club deserve huge credit for that.” He highlighted how Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph and Champions League qualification mark the start of a promising era.
Mourinho praised Newcastle’s recruitment strategy and stability, noting how the club has avoided the mistakes other wealthy teams have made. “They pick players who fit their model,” he said. “That’s why they’re succeeding. It’s a club with direction, passion, and ambition.”
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The Special One’s Emotional Return to St. James’ Park
Mourinho’s trip to Newcastle carries deep personal meaning. Now back at Benfica, 25 years after his first stint, he admitted feeling emotional about returning to a place forever tied to his mentor, Sir Bobby Robson.
“When I walked into this stadium, I felt close to him,” Mourinho said. “Sir Bobby’s love for Newcastle was unmatched. Every day we worked together, he spoke with pride about this club and its people.”
Even during his time managing other English clubs, Mourinho never hid his affection for Newcastle. “Because of Sir Bobby, this club will always be special to me,” he added. “He believed in me and shaped my career. I owe him everything.”
Two Minds, One Passion for Football
Both Howe and Mourinho embody different eras of football management, yet their shared respect underscores how vision and humility can coexist at the top level. Howe’s admiration for Mourinho highlights the Portuguese coach’s lasting influence, while Mourinho’s praise for Howe shows recognition of a new generation’s rise.
As Newcastle and Benfica prepare to clash, the match promises to be more than just a battle for points it’s a meeting between mentor and admirer, between history and ambition.
Football has changed since Mourinho first lifted the Champions League with Porto, but his legacy continues to inspire. And for Howe, facing his idol under the bright lights of Europe is proof that even visionaries can inspire the next wave of leaders. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.