Jose Mourinho has brushed aside Newcastle job links and insisted that he "wouldn't trade Benfica for any other club in the world". It was Bobby Robson who once dreamed of bringing the young Portuguese to Newcastle as his assistant manager in 1999, with a plan to eventually hand him the reins. But fate charted a different course. Mourinho chose to launch his managerial career at Benfica in 2000, beginning a path that would lead him to Champions League glory with Porto and a glittering career across Europe’s biggest stages.
Mourinho the "little magpie"
After a rocky spell at Fenerbahce, Mourinho’s appointment at Benfica last month marked a homecoming and a fresh challenge. The club’s former coach, Bruno Lage, was dismissed following a poor run of form, and Benfica’s board turned to Mourinho to restore direction and discipline. And since his connection with Robson is no secret, Mourinho was asked if he had any plans to take up the job at St. James' Park, if any opportunity arises.
“I’m a little Magpie,” he told interviewers in Portugal last month. “The club up there know how much love and respect I have for them. I learned that from Mr Robson.”
However, before facing Newcastle in the Champions League, Mourinho quashed all speculation and claimed that his current focus happens to be only Benfica.
"I don't regret it. I never turned down Newcastle," he told reporters. "I've turned down a few clubs, respectfully, but Newcastle never contacted me. To be honest, they don't need a manager. That means everything is fine for the club and for Eddie, and that's what I wish for them. Right now, there wouldn't be another club that motivates me and makes me happier than Benfica. I wouldn't trade Benfica for any other club in the world right now."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMourinho eyeing more Champions League glory
Even with over 200 Champions League matches under his belt, Mourinho still talks about the competition with a boyish glint in his eye. He is desperate to succeed again in this competition after scripting two sensational underdog tales, first with Porto and then Inter.
"When I left England, I thought Newcastle wasn't far away," he said. "The first time they played in the Champions League was three years ago. It's a process for the club. When I went to Roma, I played in the Conference and Europa League, so there was no opportunity to return. At Fenerbahçe, we beat Feyenoord and lost to Benfica. Being here is great for me. Even though I've played 200 times in the Champions League, the Champions League is the Champions League. It's always a great feeling."
Few managers command a resume like Mourinho’s. His CV includes three Premier League titles with Chelsea, domestic crowns in Italy and Spain, two Champions League triumphs, and countless personal accolades, including 2015’s Premier League Manager of the Year. However, his record at St. James’ Park tells a humbler story. Out of 12 previous visits with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, Mourinho has managed just three victories. Tuesday night’s game will mark his 13th appearance on Tyneside. A number, he’d dearly love to transform into a lucky omen.
Doubt lingers over Mourinho's future
While Mourinho’s loyalty to Benfica appears genuine, not everyone in Portugal is convinced he’ll stay long-term. Manuel Manteigas, a presidential candidate at the club, praised Mourinho’s short-term impact but questioned his commitment to Benfica’s future.
"He’s not a coach with a future here," Manteigas told Portuguese media. "Everyone in football knows Mourinho wants to be the national team coach. Mourinho is a winning coach. If there's anyone capable of making Benfica champions this year, it's José Mourinho. He's such an experienced and successful coach that he'll be able to overcome obstacles faster than any other coach we'd want to bring into a project that isn't his."
The outspoken candidate claimed Mourinho had already spoken with Pedro Proenca, the president of Portugal’s Football Federation (FPF), about potentially taking the national job.
"Mourinho isn't going to stay at Benfica for two, three, or four years," he said. "Who doesn't know that Mourinho wants to be the national team coach? Who doesn't know in the industry? The other candidates may not know, but those who work in the industry, who doesn't know that Mourinho spoke with Pedro Proença to discuss a possible appointment to the national team?"
Getty Images SportPressure on Mourinho before Newcastle battle
Benfica’s European campaign has started poorly. They’ve yet to pick up a single point in the league stage, leaving them rooted to the 33rd spot after losses to Qarabag and Chelsea. Their hosts, Newcastle, have had mixed fortunes themselves as they suffered a defeat to Barcelona but bounced back with a convincing win over Union Saint-Gilloise. Hence, Mourinho will be desperate to seal his fourth win at St. James Park and get three points on the board after starting the tournament with a couple of defeats.