The world of football is full of fascinating “what if” stories, and one of the most intriguing involves Newcastle United and two of the most iconic managers of the modern era.
As news breaks that Jose Mourinho is close to a sensational return to management with Portuguese giants Benfica a move that would see him bring his team to face Newcastle in the Champions League it brings to light a remarkable piece of history that could have changed the destiny of the club.
Long before the current era of success, there was a moment in time when the charismatic and controversial Jose Mourinho, often called ‘The Special One’, was presented with a direct opportunity to come to St James’ Park.
The offer did not come from the current owners, but from a man who was like a father figure to him: the legendary Sir Bobby Robson.
The story of their relationship is well-known. Mourinho began his incredible journey in football as a translator and assistant to Sir Bobby during their time together at Barcelona in the 1990s.
It was there that a young, ambitious Mourinho learned from one of the game’s great minds. A few years later, when Sir Bobby took the helm at Newcastle United, he wanted his protégé by his side. He offered Mourinho a role as his assistant manager, with a grand plan for the future.
Sir Bobby suspected that Mourinho’s huge ambition might make him hesitant to accept a number two role, so he proposed a transitional plan.
The idea was that Mourinho would work as his assistant for a year or two, after which he would become the head coach while Sir Bobby moved into a more overarching role as club manager.
It was a proposal designed to groom Mourinho for the top job at a historic Premier League club.
However, Mourinho, knowing Sir Bobby’s passionate and hands-on nature, found it impossible to picture him watching games passively from the stands.
He respectfully declined the offer, believing that his own path to a top managerial job would come soon enough a belief that was proven right when he landed the Benfica job later that same year.
He chose to forge his own destiny, and the rest is history.
This story becomes even more remarkable when you consider that Pep Guardiola, Mourinho’s great rival, also once expressed a deep desire to be involved with Newcastle United.
In a documentary about Sir Bobby Robson, Guardiola revealed that when he was a player at Barcelona, he wrote a letter to his former manager asking for a chance to come and play for him in the Premier League and fulfill a dream of playing in England.
Sir Bobby, in his kind manner, wrote back to explain that it wasn’t possible at that time due to the quality already in his squad.
It is a stunning alternate reality to consider: two of the greatest managerial minds of a generation, whose rivalry has defined entire seasons, both having a personal and professional connection to Newcastle United through their shared love and respect for Sir Bobby Robson.
For a brief moment, the possibility existed that either one could have ended up on Tyneside.
Mourinho has always spoken fondly of the club and the city, often paying tribute to Sir Bobby’s legacy.
After securing a win there as Tottenham manager, he spoke emotionally about being able to “leave the stadium and pass Mr. Robson’s statue and laugh with him.” It was a touching nod to the man who gave him his start and the club that almost became his home.
So, when Jose Mourinho likely returns to the touchline with Benfica and prepares for a tactical battle against Newcastle in Europe, it will be more than just another Champions League group game.
It will be a match filled with history, nostalgia, and the poignant echo of a path not taken.
