Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has showered praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of Tuesday's clash with Benfica in the Champions League at St James' Park. Howe has described the self-anointed 'Special One' as a "visionary" and has revealed his admiration for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach. Benfica head into the match against Newcastle in search of their first win in the competition this season.
Mourinho has had big impact on Howe
Howe admitted he's relishing the chance to come up against Mourinho again after growing up in awe of the legendary Portuguese manager. Newcastle take on Benfica on Tuesday, with Howe thrilled to be facing the man who has won the competition previously with Porto and Inter.
The Magpies boss told reporters: "He is someone I hugely admire, having come up against him before in the Premier League. As a younger coach, I really admired the teams he built at Chelsea, in particular. He is definitely a visionary – someone that broke the mould in terms of how you manage and the different ways to do things, and then following his success through different clubs, leagues. Incredible, really, what he's achieved in his career. It's always a great opportunity for any club to go up against one of his teams. I'm looking forward to the challenge immensely and I think it's going to be a great game."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHowe congratulated by Mourinho for Newcastle success
Mourinho, meanwhile, has openly admitted he has fond feelings for Newcastle due to his long association with former boss Sir Bobby Robson. The Special One worked with Sir Bobby at Sporting CP, Porto and Barcelona and has said he considers himself a "little Magpie." He says he's happy to see Newcastle moving in the right direction under Howe after winning the Carabao Cup last season and also managing to secure their place back in the Champions League.
"I know what Newcastle and all the Geordies want is bigger than the League Cup, but it's the beginning. To play in the Champions League is another very important step and I think the club goes in the right direction," he told reporters.
"Many clubs with new owners and fresh money make lots of wrong decisions with lots of ups and downs. Newcastle, since the moment they have the new ownership, Eddie, they change sporting directors for obvious reasons, but lots of stability. With the profile of players, I never see a player that Newcastle get that doesn't fit the model. They do things really well. That's why they are where they are. I congratulate Eddie, the club and the fans.
"We're coming up against a very, very strong, very physical team. Uninformed people are misled by their league position but they are a tremendous team. Newcastle are doing everything right."
The Special One's love for Newcastle
Mourinho is back at Benfica after a turbulent time with Fenerbahce and will be aiming to add more trophies to his collection in his second stint in charge of the Portuguese giants, 25 years after his first. He admitted that it was special for him to return to Newcastle due to the relationship he enjoyed with Sir Bobby during their time together and the influence he had on him.
"When I walked in here, I feel close. When I walked in here, I exchanged a few words with him and it’s a great emotion," he added. "I worked with Sir Bobby for two, four, six years and there was not a single day he did not show his passion for Newcastle, the city, the region and the football club, the pride and the passion he felt for it. Even when I was the manager of other English clubs, I've never hidden how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a legendary person at this club.
"He put a lot of trust in me and I consider that very important for my career. I tried to pay him back with everything I gave. I don't know if I ever did, but I tried to give him everything that I had. That for me is enough."
Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Mourinho and Newcastle?
Mourinho may be happy to be back on Tyneside with his team but he has an underwhelming record against the Magpies and has tasted victory only three times in 12 previous visits. The 'Special One' will also need no reminding that Benfica are also yet to manage a single point in the Champions League this season, while Newcastle kicked off with a defeat to Barcelona but beat Union Saint-Gilloise last time out.