Mourinho backs Newcastle for further success after EFL Cup triumph

Jose Mourinho believes Newcastle United will achieve more silverware in the near future after their EFL Cup victory last season.

The Magpies defeated Liverpool in the final to end a 70-year trophy drought, while they also went on to secure qualification for this season’s Champions League.

After losing to Barcelona in the league phase opener, Newcastle will be looking to follow up their 4-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise with victory against Mourinho’s Benfica.

Mourinho has only won three of his 12 away games at St. James’ Park against Newcastle (D4 L5), and just one of the most recent seven (D3 L3).

This will be his first game there as a manager since a 2-2 draw in April 2021, against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle while in charge of Tottenham.

Newcastle upon Tyne#NUFCSLB | #UCL pic.twitter.com/SJJL2bt2Vz

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) October 20, 2025

Mourinho revealed his joy in seeing Newcastle lift the EFL Cup due to his relationship with former mentor, the late Sir Bobby Robson, and thinks the club are on the right path to add more trophies to their cabinet.

“I worked with Sir Bobby for two, four, six years and there was not a single day he did not show his passion for Newcastle, the city, the region and the football club, the pride and the passion he felt for it,” said Mourinho.

“He loved this club, he gave everything to this club. Of course, he would be so happy with that victory in the (League) Cup. I was so happy with that victory.

“I know that it is not the target. I know that Newcastle and all the Geordies want a reward that is bigger than the League Cup, but the League Cup is the beginning.

“To play in the Champions League is another very important step, and I think the club goes in the right direction.”