The atmosphere on Tyneside is tense, with the team languishing around 14th in the Premier League, still suffering from the recent defeat to Sunderland in the derby, and still feeling the scars from the crushing loss to Barcelona in the Champions League.
The spotlight is shining brightly on coach Eddie Howe as his team repeatedly concedes goals from winning positions.
Now, just when things couldn’t get any more dramatic, a huge name was thrown into the ring.
According to talkSPORT, if the club decide to end the Howe era, none other than Jose Mourinho has emerged as the real candidate to take over the coveted spot at St James’ Park.
Jose Mourinho to join Newcastle United?
It’s no secret that PIF, Newcastle’s Saudi owners, are incredibly ambitious.
Despite Howe’s incredible feat of leading the club from a relegation battle to domestic cup wins and a taste of Champions League football, there is a growing sense within the hierarchy that there is a hunger for a world-class figure to lead the club.
Enter Mourinho. The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician, who currently manages Benfica, is practically royalty when it comes to making big players.
He has an undeniable track record of managing big budgets and delivering silverware, and he did just that during his legendary title-winning spell with Chelsea and Manchester United.
There is some controversy over “The Special One.”
But linking Mourinho with Newcastle is not without controversy. On the other hand, the box office appeal of having the ‘Special One’ in the dugout at St James’s Park is undeniable.
He has previously expressed his deep admiration for the club, citing the influence of his beloved coach, the late Sir Bobby Robson.
Meanwhile, vocal sections of the Toon Army are understandably skeptical. Mourinho’s recent spell as manager has been turbulent.
Furthermore, Mourinho may no longer have the endless checkbook he has relied on so far, as the club will have to carefully manage strict Financial Fair Play rules and could potentially sell key assets just to fund a rebuild.
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