Jose Mourinho Newcastle United press conference – Speaks ahead of St James’ Park clash | OneFootball

The Jose Mourinho Newcastle United press conference has taken place.

The Benfica boss speaking to journalists on Monday night.

This was ahead of Tuesday night’s game at St James’ Park

Benfica having already lost their first two matches in the Champions League.

A home defeat to Qarabag getting the last manager sacked, then new manager Jose Mourinho losing with Benfica at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho Newcastle United press conference – 20 October 2025:

“I worked with Sir Bobby Robson for six years.

“There was not a single day when he did not show his pride and passion for Newcastle, the city, the region and the football club.

“I have never hidden how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a legendary person at this club.

“St James’ Park is a fantastic place to play football.

“People do not come here to watch the game, they come here to play it with them.

“It’s not just the stadium…it’s this club, the history, the passion and the fans.

“With the economic power they have with the owners now, it is a team that is very close to even bigger things.

“It is a very special club because of the culture in this region, it is very different culturally to London and to Manchester.

“I love playing here.

“I said to my players: ‘It’s beautiful here and you will feel that atmosphere tomorrow evening.’

“We are coming up against a very, very strong, very physical team.

“Uninformed people may be misled by their current league position but they are a tremendous team.

“Newcastle are doing everything right.”

Jose Mourinho asked if he would like to manage Newcastle United…?

“I don’t think they need a coach now.

“I hope that they don’t need one in the next years either.

“That would mean everything goes well for the club and for Eddie, which is what I wish.

“On top of that, in this moment of my career, there wouldn’t be another club where I could be happier and more motivated than I am at Benfica. I wouldn’t change Benfica for any club.”

Speaking to Sir Bobby…

“I exchanged a few words with Bobby [A bust of Sir Bobby as you enter St James’ Park reception] as I came in here today.

“It is a great emotion and when I walk in here, I feel close to him.

‘One thing he gave me was the opportunities.

“He took me to Barcelona and it was an incredible experience for me and that door is a huge door that was opened by Sir Bobby.

“The second thing is what I learned at the football level AND at the human level.

“The third thing is the trust he put in me. 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.”

Confirmed Newcastle United fixtures to 20 December 2025 (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Tuesday 21 October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 29 October – Newcastle v Spurs (8pm) ITV and Sky Sports

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5 November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 22 November – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 25 November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (8pm)

Saturday 29 November – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 2 December – Newcastle v Spurs (8.15pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 6 December – Newcastle v Burnley (3pm)

Wednesday 10 December – Bayer Leverkusen v Newcastle United (8pm)

Sunday 14 December – Sunderland v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports