Jose Mourinho snubs St James' Park access ahead of Newcastle United's Champions League clash with Benfica
Jose Mourinho is set to make another appearance at St James' Park after taking over as boss at Portuguese side Benfica, Newcastle United's next Champions League opponents.
The Portuguese manager, dubbed 'The Special One', has never managed Newcastle, but is still strongly linked to the Magpies due to the relationship he had with former Toon boss Sir Bobby Robson.
Mourinho was Robson's protege, and many times he has spoken about his love for Newcastle as a result of Sir Bobby's endless stories about the Toon.
This has led to Mourinho forever being linked with the Newcastle job at any time when there's been a vacancy or even a wobble from Eddie Howe.
Jose Mourinho won't take up the option of training at St James' Park next week
Jose Mourinho's record at St James' Park isn't great, so for that alone, we're glad he's not taken up the hot seat.
With Benfica heading to Tyneside next week, he's got the opportunity to train on the hallowed turf the night before the game as per UEFA's rules, but it seems Mourinho has other ideas.
According to The Chronicle, Mourinho is going to put his players through their paces in Lisbon before the flight to the UK.
Is Jose Mourinho scared of St James' Park?
Whether this is an attempt to keep as few eyes on his training as possible, with media allowed 15 minutes access to the training sessions, or whether he's just terrified of St James' Park, we don't know.
Newcastle will be hoping to add to the many St James' Park defeats for The Special One when the two sides meet next week.
The Magpies have one defeat and one win in the Champions League so far; another win would see them looking strong for qualification to the knockout stages.
