Mourinho dipping a toe in the Cardiff camp

JOSE MOURINHO a Bluebird? Maybe not but talking to that paper (Sun on Sunday) he is kind of backing Cardiff to cause an upset at Wembley today.

Nice headline, but it would seem the ‘Special One’ likes the underdog has a rule, but his loyalty to Liverpool coach Steve Clarke who was on his backroom staff at Chelsea means he will be backing the Merseysiders, so much for Cardiff being the Special Ones.

The Real Madrid manager loves Cup football especially in the English game where favourites can be overcome by the underdog. Taking to the paper Mourinho explained:

"I believe this can be a really great match because a final is a final, Wembley is Wembley and, of course, Liverpool and Cardiff have a great opportunity of making some history.

"In England, something I love and respect a lot is the fact that lower division clubs have the emotional qualities to play the big teams and beat them. So in that aspect I am supporting the Welsh team, Cardiff.

"But, by the other way, I am always with my friends and Steve Clarke is a forever friend.

"So in that sense I am supporting the Reds. Anyway, for sure, England enjoy this final... I think it can be very special.

"And when I am back home from my game against Vallecano I will also watch this cup final because I will have it recorded"

Mourinho's was hoping to make today’s final with former Liverpool players and Real Madrid stars Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa but Madrid kick off against Vallecano Rayo just before the final. Funnily, Mourinho’s first trophy for Chelsea was the League (Carling) Cup in Cardiff in 2005, against Liverpool and he was sent off. He was sent off after Steven Gerrard headed into his own net to level the score to 1-1 with around 10 minutes to go before the possibility of extra time. Liverpool fans had been baiting the then Chelsea boss Mourinho who then made a gesture to the Liverpool fans of a finger to the lips.

Today hopefully it will be the same outcome for Liverpool and their supporters, defeat and I don’t care how it comes in 90 minutes, extra time or penalties has long has the Carling Cup is draped in Blue and White.