Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers hails Roma boss Jose Mourinho for having ‘the X Factor’ ahead of their Europa Conference League semi-final, but insists he’s not out for revenge.
The first leg kicks off at the King Power Stadium on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“There’s a lot been said about Jose over many years, but he is such a special manager and one of the greats of our generation,” said Rodgers in his press conference.
“When I look back at managers I have worked with, I tried to learn as much as I can. In 2004, Jose was the guy everyone wanted to be like. He came in as a European champion, it gave young coaches hope that they could have charisma.
“He had the X factor, he was just brilliant in so many aspects of the game. His man management with the players, his details, his tactics and how to promote that with the players.
“I have nothing but admiration for him. It became more distant when I became a manager myself. He’s one of the great managers, he has nothing to prove to anyone. He’s a winner.”
The most famous time that Rodgers and Mourinho crossed paths was when Steven Gerrard’s slip effectively cost Liverpool the title in 2014 against Mou’s Chelsea.
“It’s not about that. I have come up against him since then. That was a moment in time that everyone reminds me of. They did a job on us and we didn’t have the knowhow. It’s not about revenge,” assured the Leicester boss.
“To get to the final, we will have to work really hard. Roma have a great manager and fantastic players, so we will have to be at our best.”
Boubakary Soumare is back in the squad after injury, leaving only Wilfred Ndidi and Ryan Bertrand on the treatment table.
However, Rodgers did confirm he was “not sure” whether star striker Jamie Vardy could play the full 90 minutes.