Jose Mourinho is set to return to England next week, this time leading Benfica to face Newcastle United in what promises to be a thrilling Champions League encounter at St. James’ Park.
The Portuguese coach, well-known for his charismatic presence and tactical mastery, is already making headlines before the match not for his words this time, but for a surprising decision regarding his team’s preparations.
Mourinho, who once managed Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, has decided that Benfica will not train on Tyneside before the game.
Instead, the squad will complete their final training session in Lisbon before flying to England. The decision comes as a surprise, given that Benfica trained at Stamford Bridge before their previous European fixture against Chelsea.
While that session ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Portuguese giants, it appeared to follow Mourinho’s usual pattern of preparation until now.
According to UEFA regulations, visiting teams are allowed to train at the match venue the night before the game, with the first 15 minutes of the session open to the media.
However, Mourinho has chosen to forgo this routine entirely. Benfica will train at home in Lisbon in front of cameras before boarding their flight, leaving only a small portion of their local media to witness the session, as most journalists will already be en route to Newcastle.
Many believe Mourinho’s choice reflects his famous preference for secrecy and control. Over the years, he has been known to protect tactical details with great care, and his decision not to train on the St. James’ Park pitch could be another example of that meticulous planning.
He may want to limit Newcastle’s ability to observe his side’s shape or line-up hints, especially given how passionate and perceptive the Geordie fan base is.
This will not be Mourinho’s first visit to St. James’ Park, but his record there has been mixed. During his time in the Premier League, he secured wins with Chelsea and Tottenham but also suffered tough defeats at the hands of Newcastle.
He has previously spoken about the difficulty of playing in front of the Gallowgate End, describing the atmosphere as one of the most intimidating in England. Despite that, Mourinho is likely to relish the challenge he thrives on big occasions and enjoys testing his tactical ideas against strong opposition.
The upcoming fixture will also evoke nostalgia and emotion for Mourinho, as it revisits his connection to Sir Bobby Robson, the legendary Newcastle manager who played a defining role in Mourinho’s early coaching career.
Mourinho worked as Robson’s interpreter and assistant during their time together at Barcelona, a partnership that helped shape the Portuguese manager’s football philosophy.
For many fans, the match represents not just a European battle but also a symbolic link between the past and present of football management.
Interestingly, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe expressed a similar sentiment about pre-match stadium training when asked in 2023 why his team didn’t train at the San Siro before facing AC Milan.
His response That’s over-rated. It’s a pitch.”echoes Mourinho’s latest decision, though their reasoning may differ. For Mourinho, this could be part of a psychological strategy as much as a logistical choice.
Benfica’s schedule before the trip also gives them a slight advantage. The Portuguese champions will play their next domestic match on Friday night against Chaves in the Taca de Portugal, which allows them extra recovery time before the Newcastle clash.
In contrast, Howe’s side will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon at the Amex Stadium. The tight turnaround for Newcastle could prove demanding, especially with European fixtures piling up in an already congested schedule.
Benfica will arrive in Newcastle on Monday afternoon, with Mourinho expected to face the media later that evening.
His comments will undoubtedly attract attention, as he often uses press conferences to deliver psychological messages sometimes to his opponents, and sometimes to his own players.
While Benfica’s decision to skip training at St. James’ Park may appear minor, such details can reveal much about Mourinho’s mindset going into a big European game.
Every choice he makes tends to have a purpose whether it’s about controlling the environment, keeping players focused, or adding an element of unpredictability.
As the countdown to the match begins, anticipation on Tyneside continues to build. Newcastle fans will remember their team’s recent European performances fondly and will be eager to see how Eddie Howe’s men fare against a tactically disciplined Benfica side led by one of football’s most iconic figures.
For Mourinho, it’s another chance to prove that, even after decades in management, his methods mysterious as they may seem still have the power to surprise and unsettle the opposition.
The stage is set, the tension is rising, and all eyes will be on St. James’ Park when Mourinho and his Benfica side step onto the pitch even if they chose not to train on it.
