Howe Praises Mourinho’s Aura Before Champions League Clash

As Newcastle United prepares for a crucial Champions League match, manager Eddie Howe expressed his admiration for rival coach Jose Mourinho, whom he regards as one of the greatest managers in football history. The match will take place at St James’ Park on Tuesday, where Mourinho will lead his Benfica team against Newcastle.
Howe’s Respect for Mourinho
Howe believes that Mourinho’s influence on the game cannot be overstated. “Look what he did,” Howe stated when asked about Mourinho’s legacy. He emphasizes that Mourinho possesses an “aura” that makes his teams particularly challenging to face. Howe recalls his early coaching days when Mourinho’s tactics significantly impacted his development as a coach.
Previous Encounters
Historically, St James’ Park has not been kind to Mourinho. In 12 visits with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, he has secured just three wins, alongside five losses and four draws. Howe remembers his first encounter with Mourinho fondly, recalling how his Bournemouth side achieved a notable 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in December 2015. “Any Premier League win is savored regardless of where you are,” Howe remarked.
Current Form and Match Importance
Newcastle is keen to recover from an opening Champions League defeat to Barcelona. They bounced back with a solid 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise. In contrast, Benfica has struggled, having lost their first two matches against Qarabag and Chelsea.
- Newcastle’s key player: Sandro Tonali, who is facing fitness concerns.
- Potential replacements: Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey.
Mourinho’s Love for St James’ Park
Mourinho spoke about his admiration for St James’ Park, mentioning the atmosphere and history that make the venue special. “I adore to play here,” he said, noting the passion of the fans and the club’s resurgence. He acknowledged the economic strength of Newcastle, which has allowed the team to compete at higher levels, including their recent League Cup victory.
As both teams gear up for this important match, all eyes will be on St James’ Park, where tactical battles and player performances will determine their fates in the Champions League.