Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is expecting big things from Newcastle after suggesting last season’s Carabao Cup triumph was only the start.
The 62-year-old Portuguese retains huge affection for the Magpies, who host his side in the Champions League on Tuesday, because of his time working with the late Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
Asked how pleased the former Newcastle boss would have been with March’s League Cup final win over Liverpool, which ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, an emotional 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 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.”
Mourinho’s career started with his role as Robson’s interpreter at Sporting, but blossomed under a man he considered his mentor as he followed him to Porto and Barca, but ultimately not to St James’ when Robson took the helm in 1999.
He
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