Jose Mourinho
In a recent extended press conference, Jose Mourinho shared his deep admiration for Newcastle United and the legendary Sir Bobby Robson. The former Chelsea manager expressed his fondness for the club and its iconic St James’ Park, highlighting the unique bond he feels with Newcastle compared to other English clubs. This comes as Newcastle continues to make strides under new ownership and the guidance of manager Eddie Howe.
Jose Mourinho said: “Sir Bobby is a legend here and in England if you’re a legend there are many reasons to be a legend. He loved this club, he gave everything to this club. Of course, he would be so happy with that victory in the (Carabao) Cup. I was so happy with that victory. I know that it is not the target. I know that Newcastle and all the Geordies want a reward that is bigger than the League Cup but the League Cup is the beginning. To play in the Champions League is another very important step and I think the club goes in the right direction. Many clubs with new owners, with fresh money make lots of wrong decisions, lots of ups and downs. With Newcastle since the moment they get new ownership they have Eddie (Howe), stability, they change sports directors for obvious reasons but football is like that. Lots of stability. I never see a player that Newcastle get that doesn’t fit the model. They do things really, really well and that’s why they are where they are. I congratulate Eddie and the players and the fans and Elsie Robson, the three boys (Bobby’s sons) and the grandchildren who are so happy they can live up to the legacy of Sir Bobby.”
Mourinho continued: “Lots of new owners make wrong decisions and lots and ups and downs but at Newcastle and in Eddie, they have stability. They changed sporting directors for obvious reasons but they have lots of stability, the profile of the players – I never see a player Newcastle get that doesn’t fit their model – that is why they are where they are. I congratulate Eddie, the club and the fans. Now they don’t need a coach and I hope they don’t need one for the next few years which means everything has gone well and gone well for Eddie.”
Reflecting on his connection to the club, Mourinho said: “I felt something special even before Mr Robson passed away. After he left I started feeling that closeness but unfortunately in our day to day, even with people we love, they move on. We miss these people. Sometimes the door opens again for these people to return to our thinking. I worked with Mr Robson for six years and there wasn’t a single day he didn’t show his passion for Newcastle, for the city, for the region, for the football club. The way he spoke about it I have never hidden as a club of other English clubs. I have never hidden how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a legendary person at this club.”
On playing at St James’ Park, Mourinho added: “It is a fantastic place to play football. It’s not just the stadium, it’s the club, the history, the passion, and the fans. The economic power they have to have the team that they have, to win a trophy, two seasons in the Champions League.”
Mourinho’s comments reflect a deep respect for Newcastle United’s strategic growth and the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson. He praised the club’s stability and strategic player acquisitions under Eddie Howe’s leadership, which have propelled them towards greater achievements. As Newcastle competes in the Champions League, Mourinho’s words underscore the club’s potential for continued success and its unique cultural significance within English football.
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