Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, is set to face off against José Mourinho in what promises to be a thrilling Champions League clash at St James’ Park on Tuesday. Howe has expressed his admiration for Mourinho, suggesting that he deserves recognition as one of the greats in football history.
Mourinho, at 62, has an impressive record of 26 trophies in management, including multiple Premier League titles, League Cups, an FA Cup, and a Europa League championship, gained during his tenures with Chelsea and Manchester United. Howe, who is 47, has lauded Mourinho for his early impact on the game, emphasizing the aura and effectiveness of his teams. Reflecting on his past experiences watching Mourinho’s teams, Howe noted, “He had a big impact on how I wanted to play and what I was thinking about coaching-wise.”
Despite Mourinho’s illustrious career, St James’ Park has not been his most successful venue. His past 12 visits to Newcastle with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham have yielded only three victories against five defeats and four draws. Howe, however, cherishes his initial encounter with Mourinho when his Bournemouth team secured a surprising 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in December 2015, a victory he regards fondly as a significant boost during his early managerial days.
As the Champions League approach looms, Howe is focused on securing Newcastle’s spot in the tournament, especially after their disappointing loss to Barcelona in their previous match. The Magpies rebounded with a convincing 4-0 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise, showcasing their resilience. They are currently monitoring the fitness of midfielder Sandro Tonali, who missed training due to illness, leaving his participation uncertain.
Mourinho has revealed his affection for St James’ Park, describing the atmosphere as “fantastic” and acknowledging the club’s rich history and passionate fan base. He believes that Newcastle is on the cusp of achieving great things, especially considering their recent successes, which include winning the League Cup. His respect for the club is evident, as he highlighted the unique culture of football in the northeast compared to more traditional clubs in the south.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, excitement is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the battle between two renowned managers in one of England’s most iconic football venues.