Former Chelsea star delivers strong Jose Mourinho verdict that will divide opinion amid Newcastle United talk
Next Newcastle United manager: Jose Mourinho is never too far away from speculation linking him with the Newcastle job.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has been speculated as a potential replacement for Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
The two-time Champions League and three-time Premier League winning manager, describes himself as a ‘little magpie’ due to his relationship working with Newcastle icon Sir Bobby Robson.
Upon returning to St James’ Park with Benfica in the Champions League earlier in the season, Mourinho said: “Never close [to joining Newcastle]. No.
“Close to come with Sir Bobby. But it was a moment in, in my career where I, I made my mind and I knew the direction I wanted to, to go. And I think one of the qualities of an assistant is to, is to be ready to give everything and to focus only on your boss and the club and not on yourself.
“And that possibility come in a moment where I was already thinking about myself, I was already thinking about my career, and I never wanted to be an assistant coach when I was not ready to give everything. Then, lots of talk, media talk, but honestly, I was never contacted by, by Newcastle, never.”
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The inside view on Jose Mourinho
Mourinho’s biggest success as a manager in England came with Chelsea, as he led the club to three Premier League titles over two spells. He also won the EFL Cup and Europa League while at Manchester United before later joining Tottenham Hotspur, where he was dismissed days before the EFL Cup final, which the side went on to lose.
Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth provided the inside track on Mourinho and why he feels his best days as a manager are behind him.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Huth said: “[Mourinho was] an absolute hero. He was incredibly tough on you, not just me, but everyone.
"He had really high standards, but he also treated you like a son. He was tough, honest, it wasn’t always pleasant, especially when you had a bad game or made a mistake.
"He would call you out, brutally. But at that time in my career, that’s exactly what I needed. I was 18 or 19, and at that age you think you’re the best player ever. You need that tough schooling.
"Everyone has their peak, players, managers, everyone. That doesn’t mean he can’t still do a job, but winning the biggest titles again? Probably not.
"That’s not disrespect, I love the guy but we all have our cycles, and maybe his time has passed. He’s still done well with most clubs he’s been at, but in recent years it’s been tougher.
"That doesn’t take away from what he achieved. There are just coaches now who are probably pushing the game forward more at the moment."
Eddie Howe expected to stay at NUFC
While the speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future at Benfica and potential links to Newcastle surface, The Gazette understands that the club are not considering Howe’s departure at this stage.
The Magpies' boss has the full support of the decision-makers at the club and is viewed as integral to the club’s summer planning ahead of the 2026/27 season.
And given Huth’s comments, it is likely that even if Newcastle were to part ways with Howe, appointing Mourinho as his replacement would almost certainly divide opinion.
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