José Mourinho Wants Newcastle Manager’s Job if Eddie Howe Leaves
José Mourinho, one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in world football, has once again captured headlines, this time for expressing interest in managing Newcastle United if current boss Eddie Howe were to leave the club. The Portuguese tactician, known for his charisma, tactical brilliance, and at times abrasive style, has a history of turning clubs around and winning major trophies. His potential arrival at St James’ Park would send shockwaves through English football and further elevate Newcastle’s status in the Premier League.
Newcastle, after years of underachievement, has undergone a major transformation in recent seasons. Following the club’s takeover by a Saudi-led consortium in 2021, Newcastle’s ambitions have grown exponentially. With a significant financial backing and an ever-growing fanbase, the Magpies are now eyeing a return to the upper echelons of English football. Eddie Howe has been a key figure in this resurgence, guiding Newcastle to Premier League stability and even a spot in European competition, all while playing an attractive style of football. However, rumors have now emerged that Mourinho, the ‘Special One,’ would be keen on taking the reins at the club, should Howe decide to leave or face a period of decline.
In this article, we will explore Mourinho’s potential impact on Newcastle, his track record, the current state of Eddie Howe’s tenure, and how the dynamics at the club could shape such a high-profile managerial change.
Mourinho’s Track Record: A Proven Winner
José Mourinho’s managerial career is one of the most decorated in the history of football. From his early days in Portugal with Benfica and União de Leiria, Mourinho quickly earned a reputation as a tactician capable of transforming teams. His breakthrough came at FC Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2004, defeating AS Monaco in the final. That victory set him on the path to superstardom.
Mourinho’s next chapter saw him conquer some of the biggest clubs in world football: Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and most recently, AS Roma. His time at Chelsea was particularly successful, securing back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, along with a League Cup and FA Cup. At Inter Milan, he famously won the treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League) in 2010, cementing his legacy as one of the best managers of his generation.
Mourinho is renowned for his pragmatic approach, particularly in big matches. His ability to organize teams defensively and grind out results has made him a master of tactical discipline. However, he is also adept at motivating players, handling media scrutiny, and building teams that are tough to break down. His successes at the highest levels — especially in domestic leagues and continental competitions — have earned him the moniker of the “Special One.”
Currently, Mourinho is managing AS Roma in Italy’s Serie A, where he won the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022 and is working to further elevate the club’s stature. His track record of winning trophies wherever he goes is undeniable, and his appeal to ambitious clubs like Newcastle is evident. Given the Magpies’ newfound financial power, they would be a tempting proposition for a manager like Mourinho, who thrives on challenge and the chance to compete at the highest level.
Eddie Howe’s Impact at Newcastle
When Newcastle United hired Eddie Howe in November 2021, it was a statement of intent. The club was in a perilous position, languishing near the relegation zone under Steve Bruce. Howe, a young English manager with a proven track record at AFC Bournemouth, was tasked with steering Newcastle away from relegation and into a more secure future.
Howe’s impact at St James’ Park was immediate and impressive. Under his leadership, the club went on an outstanding run in the second half of the 2021-2022 season, finishing 11th in the Premier League after being in a relegation fight. His use of high pressing, organized defensive structure, and a more possession-based approach quickly won over both fans and players. More importantly, he stabilized the club both on and off the field, laying the foundations for a more competitive Newcastle side.
In the 2022-2023 season, Howe took the club even further. Not only did Newcastle secure a top-four finish and qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over two decades, but they also reached the final of the Carabao Cup, proving their growth and competitiveness. Howe’s emphasis on team unity, discipline, and high-intensity football has given the club an identity that is hard to overlook.
However, with Newcastle’s rise, the expectations are growing. The club now has the financial resources to compete with the biggest clubs in the Premier League and Europe, and as a result, they are expected to continue pushing for major honors. Howe’s progress, while admirable, could eventually be judged by how well he can compete in a highly competitive league, manage the pressure of European football, and make Newcastle a fixture in the upper half of the Premier League.
If Howe were to depart or fall out of favor — whether due to a drop in performance or external factors — the club would inevitably seek out a manager capable of taking the team to the next level. This is where José Mourinho enters the picture. His reputation for turning good teams into great ones, along with his tactical nous, makes him an attractive candidate for Newcastle’s owners.
Mourinho at Newcastle: What Would He Bring?
If Mourinho were to take over from Howe at Newcastle, his experience and winning mentality would be crucial for the club’s ambitions. One of Mourinho’s greatest strengths is his ability to work with elite players and get the best out of them in big games. His pragmatic approach could also suit Newcastle, especially in European competition, where the club will face teams with superior individual talent and tactical sophistication.
Defensively, Mourinho would likely organize the team into a compact, disciplined unit that is difficult to break down. He would also bring a sense of resilience and a ‘winning mentality’ that would likely raise the expectations around the squad. With the added financial resources available at Newcastle, Mourinho could also be tasked with signing high-quality players to supplement an already solid squad.
In terms of his tactical approach, Mourinho could look to set Newcastle up to be a tough, counter-attacking team that can compete with the best. He has often excelled in creating solid foundations defensively and then looking to hit teams on the break. With players like Bruno Guimarães, Alexander Isak, and Kieran Trippier at his disposal, Mourinho could make Newcastle a formidable side in both the Premier League and on the European stage.
However, one of the main criticisms of Mourinho in recent years has been his inability to adapt his tactics in a way that allows for sustained attacking football. While he has always been able to win trophies, critics have argued that his style of play can sometimes be overly defensive and lacking in fluidity, especially against sides with similar resources. This could be a challenge for him at Newcastle, where supporters are increasingly accustomed to a more attacking style of play under Howe. Mourinho’s ability to balance pragmatism with entertainment would be tested.
The Possible Fallout with Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe’s position at Newcastle, while secure for now, could come under scrutiny if the club’s performance begins to dip. A hypothetical departure of Howe could be due to various factors — perhaps an underwhelming season or a falling out with the club’s owners over transfer policy or long-term vision. In such a scenario, Mourinho’s arrival would represent a clear shift in approach, both tactically and culturally.
Newcastle fans have embraced Howe’s methods, and his departure could be met with resistance. Mourinho is a polarizing figure; while some would welcome his pedigree and ability to bring success, others might be concerned about the abrasive nature of his personality and his tendency to clash with players and media. The club’s owners would need to be certain that Mourinho is the right fit for their long-term vision and the direction they want to take the club.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for Newcastle’s Future
José Mourinho’s potential interest in becoming Newcastle’s manager is a fascinating prospect for English football. While Eddie Howe has undoubtedly transformed the club and earned the right to continue leading it, the allure of a high-profile manager like Mourinho would be difficult for any club to ignore, especially one with the resources and ambitions that Newcastle now possesses.
If Howe were to leave, Mourinho’s experience, tactical intelligence, and reputation as a winner could make him an ideal candidate to take Newcastle to the next level. However, it would also mark a shift in the club’s footballing philosophy, and the impact of that shift — on the team, the supporters, and the overall direction of the club — would be significant.
In the end, whether or not Mourinho takes over at Newcastle depends on various factors, including Howe’s future and the club’s ambitions. However, the possibility of the ‘Special One’ taking the reins at St James’ Park is one that has the potential to reshape the trajectory of the club for years to come.