Mourinho reveals if Newcastle ever approached him and takes Isak saga ‘very hard’

Speaking ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League trip to Benfica, Jose Mourinho has revealed whether the Magpies ever approached him about taking over as manager and his take on the Aleksandar Isak saga.

Mourinho He was sacked by former side Fenerbahce in September in what was deemed a “painful” exit. But in mid-September, he took over at Benfica, who have won three of six games since taking charge.

At times in the past, such as were hired before Eddie Howe and even during his tenure Newcastlespeculation continues about Mourinho taking over at St James’ Park.

Although the Benfica boss has clearly signaled his admiration for the Magpies, he has revealed that there have never been any moves to move there.

“I don’t regret it. I never turned Newcastle down. I respectfully turned down a few clubs, but Newcastle never approached me. To be honest, they don’t need a manager,” he said.

“It means all is well for the club and for Eddie, and that’s what I want for them.

“Right now, there will be no other club that inspires me and makes me happier than Benfica. I wouldn’t trade Benfica for any other club in the world right now.”

Mourinho also discussed the situation which saw former star striker Issac sold to Liverpool in the summer for a British record fee of £130million.

“What happened to Isaac in the summer is very difficult for a club and very difficult for a coach, and very difficult for fellow players,” he said.

“I think in the end everyone knows he’s going to leave for Liverpool.

“But one thing is that everyone knows he’s going to leave, and the other is that it’s done.

“When it’s done you can move on, when it’s done you can get a new player and when you have a new player you can train and adapt to play with a new player because of course Isac and Nick Woltmead are different players.”

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Indeed, Voltmead has hit the ground running while Isak is yet to make his mark at Liverpool.

Newcastle’s German striker has five goals to his name – four in the league and one in the Champions League – while Isak’s first seven games as a Liverpool player have seen him score just once and assist once.

For now, the Magpies are thriving with their new man, and will be hoping he makes an impact against Mourinho’s Benfica.

Read more: Alan Shearer fires a dig at Alexander Isak. Slams Newcastle star for a reason – ‘It didn’t work’