- Newcastle United could be without Anthony Gordon and Eddie Howe
- Gordon sidelined through injury against Arsenal
- Jose Mourinho had plenty of praise for English winger
Two exits from Newcastle United seem possible this summer in Anthony Gordon and manager Eddie Howe. The boss is in danger after a series of terrible performances, while the winger is attracting significant interest from Bayern Munich.
One man who has been linked to the hot seat at St James’ Park is veteran manager, Jose Mourinho. The 63-year-old is currently managing Benfica, sitting in second behind Porto.
The charismatic leader could be influential in making Gordon stay at the club, after strong words of praise when the two sides met back in October in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho huge fan of Anthony Gordon
When the two teams met in Tyneside this past autumn, Howe’s team ran out 3-0 victors, with a goal from Gordon and a brace from Harvey Barnes being the difference on the night.
Mourinho was stunned by how dominant the Magpies were and admitted that Benfica ‘could not compete’, before talking about how special their attack was. In particular, Gordon.
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “This tells me about the level of Newcastle. We could not compete with their horsepower. We lost being compact and were exposed.
“It’s just a case of levels. The man of the match was Anthony Gordon. Their wingers have pace and power- and they have four of them.”
The Black and Whites forward has always brought an intense style to the field whenever he has played, combining well with his natural talent on the ball.
Following the game, the former Chelsea manager shared a private word with the winger, who he claimed was special.
Gordon revealed: “He said, ‘You are too much’. Which is a big compliment for me because, as a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world growing up.
“It’s quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager, but I just love the way even then, the bench was getting up.”
The Portuguese manager has always built strong relationships with his players and the fanbase, making him treasured by those supporters, as well as neutrals, who admire his sideline antics.
With the current Magpies manager under serious scrutiny, a place for Mourinho could soon open, allowing the club to save one of their star men.
Newcastle United star frustrates supporters
Many fans have been angered by Gordon this season one of the main reasons, which a lot of the Toon Army can’t shrug off, is his effort at times.
The winger has previously shown a willingness to do anything for this team, which is why it’s such a bitter pill to swallow. A player who defined what it means to be a Newcastle player hasn’t delivered for them this season.
Gordon is reported to feel he has ‘outgrown’ the project on Tyneside but, if given the chance to work under new pal Mourinho, that £75 million switch to Bayern Munich would surely come under doubt.
In other news, Bruno Guimaraes confirms Newcastle United injury concern ahead of Brighton.
