José Mourinho says he’s “coming home in spirit” as he prepares to lead Benfica to St James’ Park for their Champions League clash with Newcastle United — a club he’s long admired since working under Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona.
The Portuguese manager, affectionately nicknamed the “Little Magpie” by local press for his fondness for Newcastle, often speaks of his emotional connection to the city and its footballing culture. “Sir Bobby used to talk about Newcastle with such love,” Mourinho said. “When I finally visited, I understood why. It’s a club with soul — a real football city.”
Benfica head into the fixture in strong form, but Mourinho admitted it would be a “special” night on Tyneside. “Newcastle are powerful at home — the fans, the energy, the rain, the emotion — it’s pure football,” he added.
The match will also mark Mourinho’s first return to England since leaving Roma earlier this year, adding another layer of intrigue to a game already steeped in nostalgia and mutual respect.
