Brendan Rodgers will make it at Liverpool, says Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has backed Brendan Rodgers to be a success at Liverpool.

The Reds boss worked under Mourinho at Chelsea as head youth coach and then reserve team manager during the Portuguese’s first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Rodgers’ Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League in his first season at the Anfield helm after taking over from Kenny Dalglish last summer.

And Mourinho, who was unveiled as Chelsea boss for the second time this week after signing a four-year deal with the Blues, is convinced that the Northern Irishman is set to be a hit on Merseyside as the Reds look to break back into the top four next season.

“At Liverpool, I know Brendan, I know he can do it,” said Mourinho.

“Now, I don’t speak with him so much on the phone, but last year I did, and I know his project, ideas and what he wants to do.”

Speaking last month, Rodgers admitted that the trust put in him by Mourinho gave him the belief that he could become a manager.

“When I worked with Jose I had a great experience,” Rodgers said.

“He put a lot of trust in me as a young coach to work with top players. He encouraged me and gave me that belief that I could go on and become a manager.”