Jose Mourinho’s upcoming return to St James’ Park as Benfica’s manager carries layers of meaning beyond the footballing contest itself. The Portuguese coach, widely known as the ‘Special One’, is preparing to lead his team against Newcastle United in a Champions League fixture on Tuesday night. Yet, this visit to the iconic Newcastle ground is steeped in emotion and history, largely because of the profound bond Mourinho shares with Sir Bobby Robson, the legendary former Newcastle manager.
Mourinho’s connection to St James’ Park is personal and heartfelt. Over his illustrious managerial career, which has included top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, Mourinho has struggled for wins on Tyneside, securing only a single league victory at St James’ Park during his spells at those English clubs. This makes his forthcoming match with Benfica all the more significant, as he seeks to notch just his fourth win on this ground. But more than the desire for victory, Mourinho’s return is a tribute to his mentor, Sir Bobby Robson, whose legacy still echoes strongly at Newcastle.
The depth of Mourinho’s respect and affection for Sir Bobby was poignantly illustrated in 2011 when Mourinho donated his Ballon d’Or World Coach of the Year award to a charity auction in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. This foundation, established to advance cancer detection and treatment, received a substantial boost of £26,000 thanks to that generous contribution. Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, recalls how meaningful the donation was, describing Mourinho’s gesture as “incredibly thoughtful” and a testament to the man Mourinho is at his core. This act of kindness is just one example of the enduring relationship between the two men, a relationship that began in the early 1990s and shaped Mourinho’s career and character.
Back in 1992, long before Mourinho’s rise to global fame, it was Sir Bobby Robson who commanded the spotlight. The former England manager had just been appointed manager of Sporting Lisbon, and the club president, Sousa Cintra, was there to welcome him. However, language barriers posed a challenge, as Cintra did not speak English. Enter Mourinho, a young polyglot recommended by Sporting’s assistant Manuel Fernandes, who had previously worked with Mourinho at smaller Portuguese clubs. This chance encounter proved transformative for Mourinho, who was brought on as an interpreter and assistant to Sir Bobby.
Mourinho’s role quickly evolved beyond that of a mere translator. Sporting players, including defender Stan Valckx, noted how Mourinho was more than just an interpreter—he was deeply loyal, ambitious, and an invaluable asset to Sir Bobby. Valckx recalled how Mourinho would translate Sir Bobby’s intricate tactical instructions with passion and emotion, often extending what was said into lengthy, heartfelt explanations. Mourinho also took on responsibilities akin to those of an assistant coach, running drills, analyzing video, and managing communications with players who mostly did not speak English. His work was intense and crucial in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps during the team’s preparations.
One dramatic moment during their time at Sporting highlighted the close nature of their partnership. In December 1993, despite the team sitting top of the league, the club president used the intercom on a flight home from Austria to announce Sir Bobby’s sacking, triggered by Sporting’s elimination from the UEFA Cup. Mourinho, ever by his side, was the one who conveyed this harsh news to Sir Bobby. Although their time at Sporting ended, their partnership was far from over.
When Sir Bobby was later appointed as manager of FC Porto, he once again brought Mourinho along as his trusted assistant. Mark Robson, reflecting on those days, emphasized how Mourinho acted as Sir Bobby’s eyes and ears, a confidant who quietly and efficiently handled the behind-the-scenes politics and potential disruptions. Mourinho’s character—strong, perceptive, and discreet—made him the ideal right-hand man in the often turbulent football world. This partnership flourished at Porto, where Sir Bobby won five trophies, including two league titles, establishing himself as one of Europe’s top managers.
The duo’s next chapter took them to one of the most demanding environments in football: FC Barcelona. In 1996, Sir Bobby was appointed Barcelona manager following the departure of Johan Cruyff, a club legend who had left behind a divided dressing room. The club initially wanted to appoint an assistant with internal ties, but Sir Bobby insisted Mourinho come with him. This decision was pivotal. Mourinho