TalkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein has voiced his strong opinion about José Mourinho potentially taking over as manager of Newcastle United. Goldstein stated that he believes hiring Mourinho would be a “terrible” decision for the club, describing the Portuguese manager as a “dinosaur” whose approach to the game is outdated. Mourinho, who is currently managing Turkish club Fenerbahçe, has shown interest in returning to the Premier League, with Newcastle identified as a potential destination. Goldstein, however, feels that the idea of bringing the veteran manager to St. James’ Park would not be beneficial for the team’s future.
Mourinho, who has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, is known for his success in winning trophies. After leaving Tottenham in 2021, Mourinho spent time at Roma, where he achieved notable success, including winning the UEFA Conference League in 2022. Now at Fenerbahçe, where he currently sits third in the Turkish Süper Lig, Mourinho has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League. He is said to have met with Newcastle’s chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan earlier this year and has maintained a connection with him since then. Given Newcastle’s ambition and recent improvements under current manager Eddie Howe, some have speculated that Mourinho could replace Howe if the situation at the club takes a turn for the worse.
Despite Mourinho’s pedigree, Goldstein is not convinced that he would be the right fit for Newcastle. He argues that the manager’s style of play is no longer suited to the modern footballing landscape. Goldstein’s criticism of Mourinho focuses on the fact that football has evolved significantly since the early years of Mourinho’s career, and he believes that the manager has failed to adapt to the changing demands of the game. Goldstein explained that while the owners of Newcastle might believe Mourinho’s experience could help elevate the club to the next level, he believes that appointing him could actually hold Newcastle back. He pointed out that Mourinho’s methods and tactics might not align with the fast-paced, high-pressing style that is now prevalent in modern football, especially in the Premier League.
Newcastle United has made significant strides under Eddie Howe, who has guided the club to improved performances in recent seasons. The club’s ownership, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has high ambitions for Newcastle, and while the team has improved on the pitch, they have yet to win any major trophies since the takeover. Mourinho, a serial winner who has enjoyed success at nearly every club he has managed, might see Newcastle as a club where he could add to his impressive trophy collection. The thought of Mourinho bringing silverware to St. James’ Park is undoubtedly appealing to some fans, but Goldstein believes that the current trajectory under Howe is far more promising.
Goldstein’s concerns about Mourinho’s ability to manage in the modern game are not without merit. The manager’s traditional style, based on solid defensive organization and counter-attacking play, has come under scrutiny in recent years as many top teams now prefer a more possession-based and high-pressing game. While Mourinho’s past achievements are undeniable—he has managed 1,149 matches, winning 711 and losing 206, with a win percentage of 61.9%—many feel that his methods are no longer as effective as they once were. Goldstein is among those who believe that Mourinho’s best years may be behind him, and that his inability to evolve could be a problem for a club like Newcastle, which is striving to compete at the top levels of English football.
While some supporters might argue that Mourinho’s experience could help Newcastle win titles, Goldstein’s view is that the club needs a manager who is more in tune with modern football. He believes that Newcastle should be looking for a manager who can build on the strong foundation laid by Eddie Howe and help them challenge for top honors in a way that fits the modern game. Mourinho’s potential return to the Premier League with Newcastle remains a topic of speculation, but for now, the club’s future under Howe looks secure.
In conclusion, while José Mourinho’s name has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle United, Andy Goldstein strongly opposes the idea. Goldstein believes that Mourinho’s outdated style of play and inability to adapt to the modern game would make him a poor choice for Newcastle. While Mourinho’s managerial achievements are impressive, Goldstein argues that Newcastle would be better off continuing with their current trajectory under Eddie Howe. As Newcastle continues to build under their current manager, it seems unlikely that they will turn to Mourinho to lead them into a new era.
