Mourinho snubbed Newcastle

By Nick Raynor
December 1 2004

Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he rejected the chance to become Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant manager at Newcastle in 2000.

Revealed in a biography extract from The Times, Mourinho said:

"Bobby lives and breathes the pitch and wants direct contact with the players.

"But he knew my ambition wouldn't allow me to accept an assistant coach role."

"Since Bobby suspected I wouldn't accept it, he told me it would only be for a year, two tops, and that at the end of that time I would be head coach and he club manager.”

“But he had forgotten that I had worked with him for many years and so I knew him well.”

"It is unthinkable to picture him as a manager, watching from the stands. “

"But I didn't take him up on his offer, knowing sooner or later, my time would come."

Mourinho took over at Benifica shortly after rejecting Newcastle’s offer. He then went on to Porto where he won the League and Champions League with the Portuguese team and is now managing Premiership Leaders Chelsea.