Jose Mourinho is targeting a return to the Premier League with Newcastle United, despite currently managing Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The 61-year-old Portuguese coach has made his unhappiness in Turkey clear following an extraordinary rant after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 win over Trabzonspor last Sunday.
“Nobody abroad wants to watch the Turkish league,” Mourinho said.
“It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad. But that’s my job, and I will give everything to my job, to my club.”
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager has identified Newcastle as his best chance of another job in England, where he believes he has unfinished business.
Mourinho has been actively maintaining connections with Newcastle’s hierarchy, having met chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March.
Jose Mourinho wants to take over at Newcastle, despite them already having Eddie Howe
Reuters
The Guardian reports that Mourinho has reached out to intermediaries, asking to be kept informed of any developments at St James’ Park.
His intentions were further evident during Manchester United’s recent Europa League visit to Istanbul, where he was notably warm towards English journalists and former colleagues.
The Special One has requested regular updates about the situation at Newcastle through intermediaries, suggesting a keen interest in any potential managerial vacancy.
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Eddie Howe is not under immediate pressure at Newcastle, having secured back-to-back victories over Chelsea and Arsenal after a difficult start to the season.
However, Newcastle’s current 11th place position falls short of their Saudi owners’ ambitious Champions League aspirations.
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Howe’s position has been complicated by the departure of key allies Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi last summer.
There has also been reported tension with sporting director Paul Mitchell, who joined in July.
The club’s financial constraints have added pressure, with Newcastle forced to sell several young players last June to comply with profitability and sustainability rules.
Jose Mourinho wants to return to the Premier League
Reuters
Mourinho’s interest in Newcastle carries emotional significance due to his connection with Sir Bobby Robson, having worked as his translator at Sporting Lisbon and Porto, and later as his assistant at Barcelona.
He has often referred to Newcastle as “Mr Robson’s club”, suggesting a deep-rooted attachment to the Tyneside outfit.
Meanwhile, Howe marked his third anniversary at Newcastle on Friday, expressing contentment with his position.
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“It feels good to still be here. I’m so pleased with how it’s going,” Howe said.
“We believe we can achieve extraordinary things and that’s the focal point driving us every day.
“Qualifying for Europe again is one of our aims this season.”