Mourinho is a visionary – Howe

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is a “visionary” as they prepare to meet in the Champions League.

Howe goes head-to-head with the two-time winner of the competition on the touchline in a group game at St James’ Park on Tuesday.

He rates Mourinho as one of the greatest managers of all time after the former Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss left a “big impact” on him.

“As a younger coach, I really admired the teams he built at Chelsea, in particular.

“He is definitely a visionary – someone that broke the mould in terms of how you manage in different ways to do things, and then following his success through different clubs, leagues. Incredible, really, what he’s achieved in his career.

“It’s always a great opportunity for any club to go up against one of his teams. I’m looking forward to the challenge immensely and I think it’s going to be a great game.”

Mourinho considers himself “a little Magpie” on account of his bond with former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson.

The Portuguese shadowed Sir Bobby at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona as an interpreter and assistant in the 1990s.

Mourinho has spoken glowingly about Newcastle over the years and said he “loved” the club before this game.

“I have heard Jose’s words about Newcastle and I absolutely echo them myself,” Howe said.

“They are great words about Sir Bobby and the role he played in his career. That’s really nice to hear, but the line stops tomorrow.

“When the game kicks off, we want to win. We are desperate for the points. It will be a competitive game between two great clubs.”

Newcastle lost 2-1 to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday and will run a late check on influential midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is suffering from illness.