Brito and Clarke will stand in for banned Jose

After 12 years as a professional in Brazil Brito went to Portugal towards the end of his career where his strong personality and leadership skills impressed the Mourinho family and helped Rio Ave to the Portuguese Cup final in 1984, before embarking on a coaching career with Varzim, Macedo Cavaieros and Parades.

For all his friendship with Jose and Felix, it was Mourinho's wife, Tami, who recognised Brito's talent, advising Jose to give him a call when he took over at UD Leiria in 2000.

Brito followed Mourinho to FC Porto two years later and played a crucial part in bringing the UEFA Cup, Champions League and two Portuguese Championships in two seasons. As assistant manager of Porto Brito became known as 'The Policeman' because of his habit of enforcing order in the dressing room, getting close to the players but passing on their secrets to Mourinho.

As a hard-nosed former centre-back he had no time for excuses and ruled with a rod of iron. He is close to the Chelsea squad but also has a lighter side, as was shown when he allowed them to shave his head following their dramatic Carling Cup win at Newcastle earlier in the season.

Another trait Brito shares with Mourinho is a desire to influence referees, which could get him into trouble-if he speaks out of turn during the Bayern games. While the controversy over referee Markus Merk's friendship with Greece manager Otto Rehhagel was raging ahead of last year's Euro 2004 final against Portugal Brito was surprised by Luis Felipe Scolari's acquiesence, telling friends, "If it was me I'd have put in a complaint and put some pressure on the referee."

Mourinho's outspoken views may have earned him a ban, but Brito isn't shy on the subject of officials. After Benfica had benefited from a dubious penalty against Rio Ave last season, ironically after a dive by Blues player Tiago, he told reporters: "I feel sorry for the players of Rio Ave because the game was stolen from them."

Brito has also stepped into Mourinho's shoes before, famously receiving signals from the manager on the touchline during a UEFA Cup tie against Lazio two years ago when he was serving a one-match ban. UEFA say they will put minders on Mourinho to stop him trying the same trick for the games against Bayern.

And given Brito's past pronouncements Clarke is likely to take charge of press matters ahead of the Bayern Munich games, while both men will contribute to the half-time team-talk.

With Clarke and Brito fully briefed the most tantalising question ahead of next Wednesday's first leg is which of Stamford Bridge's 42,000 seats will Mourinho choose to occupy?

No matter where he chooses to sit, whether with Roman Abramovich in the Russians' private box or in bathroom of Ken Bates's penthouse apartment, one thing is certain. All eyes, as ever, will be on Mourinho.