“
Jose Mourinho, getty images October 21, 2025, 08:03
He noted that the team will face a very strong team. He said less experienced people could be wrong to judge Newcastle’s potential based on the opening fixtures alone. Mourinho emphasized:
“We will be facing a very strong team. Less qualified people can look at the opening matches and be wrong about the potential of this team. They are very organized and have selected players that match the ideas of their head coach. They are a phenomenally physical team with four very fast wingers.”
Regarding the atmosphere at St. James Park, Mourinho emphasized that it is a fantastic place for the match:
“It’s a fantastic stadium to play in. People don’t just come here to watch a game, they come to play with their team… It’s a completely different culture to London and I love playing here. I said that to the Benfica players when I spoke to them yesterday – even as an opponent, it’s great to play here.”
The coach remembered the legendary Sir Bobby Robson and paid tribute to him, highlighting the important role he played in his career:
“I’ve heard the words about Newcastle and I fully support them. They’re great words about Sir Bobby and the part he’s played in my career.”
Mourinho also warned that nobody should lose focus because of Newcastle’s position in the Championship:
“I won’t let anyone underestimate Newcastle. I know they all want more than the League Cup, but this is just the start. Playing in the Champions League is an important step and I think the club is moving in the right direction.”
About Sir Bobby Mourinho said that he worked with him for several years and there was not a day without pride and passion:
“I worked with Sir Bobby for several years and there wasn’t a day when he didn’t show pride and passion for Newcastle – for the city, the region and the club. Even when I coached other English clubs, I never hid how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a man who is a legend.”
Regarding the game, Mourinho said:
“They are a very strong team. Tall players are quite dangerous by their standards. St James Park is where the fans play. We have to be prepared to endure – it will be difficult on the pitch.”
The coach told about the preparation of Benfica:
“We practiced on Thursday and the day before … We did some things, but at a slower pace than I wanted, both with passing and building the game inside the field.”
The match between Newcastle and Benfica will take place on October 21 at 22:00 Kyiv time.
”, — write: football.ua
Jose Mourinho, getty images October 21, 2025, 08:03
He noted that the team will face a very strong team. He said less experienced people could be wrong to judge Newcastle’s potential based on the opening fixtures alone. Mourinho emphasized:
“We will be facing a very strong team. Less qualified people can look at the opening matches and be wrong about the potential of this team. They are very organized and have selected players that match the ideas of their head coach. They are a phenomenally physical team with four very fast wingers.”
Regarding the atmosphere at St. James Park, Mourinho emphasized that it is a fantastic place for the match:
“It’s a fantastic stadium to play in. People don’t just come here to watch a game, they come to play with their team… It’s a completely different culture to London and I love playing here. I said that to the Benfica players when I spoke to them yesterday – even as an opponent, it’s great to play here.”
The coach remembered the legendary Sir Bobby Robson and paid tribute to him, highlighting the important role he played in his career:
“I’ve heard the words about Newcastle and I fully support them. They’re great words about Sir Bobby and the part he’s played in my career.”
Mourinho also warned that nobody should lose focus because of Newcastle’s position in the Championship:
“I won’t let anyone underestimate Newcastle. I know they all want more than the League Cup, but this is just the start. Playing in the Champions League is an important step and I think the club is moving in the right direction.”
About Sir Bobby Mourinho said that he worked with him for several years and there was not a day without pride and passion:
“I worked with Sir Bobby for several years and there wasn’t a day when he didn’t show pride and passion for Newcastle – for the city, the region and the club. Even when I coached other English clubs, I never hid how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a man who is a legend.”
Regarding the game, Mourinho said:
“They are a very strong team. Tall players are quite dangerous by their standards. St James Park is where the fans play. We have to be prepared to endure – it will be difficult on the pitch.”
The coach told about the preparation of Benfica:
“We practiced on Thursday and the day before … We did some things, but at a slower pace than I wanted, both with passing and building the game inside the field.”
The match between Newcastle and Benfica will take place on October 21 at 22:00 Kyiv time.