Eddie Howe excited to take on amazing Mourinho in Champions League tie

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen to face a legendary figure in the game when his team meets Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

This matchup brings Mourinho and his squad to St James' Park, the home ground where Bobby Robson, a key influence in his coaching journey, is still greatly admired.

The Portuguese manager Mourinho has secured 26 significant honours in his outstanding career as a coach, including three Premier League crowns, four League Cups, an FA Cup, and the Europa League across his time at Chelsea and Manchester United.

Howe has no hesitation in recognising the profound effect the ex-Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach has had on English football.

The 47 year old Howe, speaking at a pre match press briefing on Monday when questioned if Mourinho merits status as an eternal legend, responded: "I believe you must. Consider his achievements.

"This is not merely because we face them soon, I truly feel it. His initial influence was astonishing, truly. He possessed a commanding presence, as did his squads. His sides were invariably tough opponents to overcome."

Howe, who built his reputation at Bournemouth, went on: "I recall observing his teams during my initial steps as a lead coach, as I sought to shape my playing style and coaching philosophy. He left a substantial mark."

Howe's debut meeting with the Chelsea boss at that time occurred when his freshly ascended Cherries triumphed 1 0 at Stamford Bridge in December 2015, though that stands as his sole success against Mourinho.

"Any victory in the Premier League is cherished no matter the venue," he noted. "It is immensely challenging to achieve in the Premier League, particularly at that point in my path.

"Chelsea ranked among the mightiest outfits in the division, and we had some remarkable triumphs that, while I led Bournemouth, instilled the conviction that we belonged in the Premier League.

"As a team just risen to the top flight, you require all the boosts to morale possible. I reflect warmly on those encounters.

"Yet this fixture is quite distinct. It offers a unique challenge. We now, as I mentioned prior to our last Champions League outing, yearn to advance in the tournament.

"We grasp the value of our matches at home, so following the setback against Barcelona, we anticipate this one with enthusiasm."

Newcastle bounced back from their initial loss to Barcelona by securing a 4 0 victory over Union Saint Gilloise, whereas Benfica have dropped their first two games to Qarabag and Chelsea.