José Mourinho is eagerly anticipating Benfica's upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle United, a club he holds in high regard due to his past connection with Sir Bobby Robson. Mourinho returns to the northeast of England with Benfica for a Champions League game on Tuesday night.

Mourinho, now 62, has a long-standing affection for Newcastle, a team he almost joined in 1999 when Robson, then manager, offered him the assistant manager position with the understanding that he would eventually take over. Mourinho declined the offer and instead began his managerial career the following year with a brief tenure at Benfica. After a tumultuous period at Fenerbahce, he returned to Benfica last month, succeeding Bruno Lage.

Despite his respect for Newcastle, Mourinho's record at St. James' Park is not stellar. In his 12 previous competitive appearances as manager with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, he has only managed three victories. He is eager to secure a fourth win, particularly against a team he feels a strong connection with because of Robson. "I'm a little Magpie," he said in an interview last month, expressing his love and respect for the club, sentiments he attributes to Robson's influence.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, is aware of Mourinho's friendly relations with the club's Saudi Arabian ownership, which he cultivated while in Istanbul last season. Howe acknowledged Mourinho's standing in the sport, calling him "one of the all time managerial greats". Howe stated that Mourinho's initial impact in England with Chelsea was remarkable, highlighting the aura surrounding him and his teams.

Mourinho, a Champions League winner with Porto and Inter Milan, believes Benfica is benefiting from a more mature version of himself. He asserts that he has evolved, becoming more altruistic and less self-centered, focusing on the well-being and happiness of others. He sees himself in a mature phase of his career.

Newcastle hopes to solidify their position as a top Premier League team. Benfica, currently third in the Primeira Liga, will be a good test, especially given their recent improvement under Mourinho, including a scoreless draw against Porto. The visitors are aiming to earn their first Champions League point, or ideally, points, of the season.

Louise Taylor reported that Mourinho met with Newcastle United Chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and has stayed in contact. Mourinho has reportedly contacted intermediaries to stay informed about developments at Newcastle.