José Mourinho is reportedly interested in the Newcastle United managerial position should Eddie Howe depart from St James’ Park. The Fenerbahce head coach, who has previously managed Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League and sees Newcastle as his best opportunity to return to English football. Mourinho expressed his discontent in Turkey following Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor last Sunday, hinting at his desire for a change. The Portuguese coach, who joined Fenerbahce only last summer after being dismissed by Roma in January, has been in contact with intermediaries to stay informed about any developments at Newcastle.
Mourinho, 61, met with Newcastle’s chairman, Yasir al-Rumayyan, at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March and has kept in touch since. His eagerness to return to the Premier League was further evidenced when he warmly greeted old colleagues and English journalists during Manchester United’s Europa League game in Istanbul last month. Howe, who is currently under no immediate pressure, has seen his position strengthened by consecutive wins against Chelsea and Arsenal, but his long-term job security remains uncertain due to the high ambitions of Newcastle’s Saudi owners, who aim to see the club in the Champions League.
The 46-year-old manager lost key allies when directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left last summer, and there has been tension with the newly appointed sporting director, Paul Mitchell. Newcastle’s recent form, which saw them go five Premier League games without a win before defeating Arsenal, and their current league position of 11th, do not meet the owners’ expectations. Howe is expected to guide Newcastle to European qualification despite financial constraints that led to the sale of several young players last June to comply with profitability and sustainability rules.
Mourinho’s outburst last weekend was sparked by refereeing decisions that resulted in Fenerbahce conceding two penalties and having a strong penalty appeal denied. He also criticized Turkish football, stating, “Nobody abroad wants to watch the Turkish league.” Howe, however, has no plans to leave Newcastle soon and remains focused on achieving the club’s goals, including qualifying for Europe. The manager expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress but acknowledged the desire for a trophy, which remains a driving force for the club. The sale of academy product Elliot Anderson due to PSR rules was a decision Howe did not want to make, highlighting the challenges faced by the club.
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