Eriksson hails Mourinho blueprint

Eriksson's acclaim for the Chelsea boss comes just days after similar words of praise from former England manager, Sir Bobby Robson, who kick-started Mourinho's career. "Jose knows how to manage his players, picks them well and is tactically sound," he said.

Mourinho's first season here could still produce three trophies and he might take some encouragement from the fact that Sunday's opponents achieved exactly that treble, using just 15 players, under Joe Fagan in 1983-84. They played a total of 66 matches, beating Roma on penalties in their last game to clinch the European Cup.

Eriksson never disguised his admiration for Liverpool during the most productive era in their history. They won the European Cup four times between 1977-84.

"When I was manager of Gothenburg I went to Liverpool many times to watch them play and train," recalled Eriksson. "I became quite friendly with Joe Fagan and I learned to admire the way Liverpool went about their business."

During the same period Liverpool also dominated the League Cup, winning four in succession between 1981-84. They have won the competition a record seven times in various guises - League Cup, Milk Cup, Coca-Cola Cup and Worthington Cup.

Chelsea have won it just twice, most recently in 1998 when they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at Wembley.

Eriksson believes Chelsea's modern counter-attacking style pitted against the pressing game favoured by Liverpool's Spanish coach Rafael Benitez could produce an intriguing final in Cardiff. He suspects the midfield duel between Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard could be the key element.

The England coach has been influential in the rise of both players who, if the rumour-mongers are correct, could be together in the Chelsea midfield next season.

"Frank Lampard is probably the most improved player in the country this season and I'm really looking forward to his battle with Steve," said Eriksson.

However, the overall strategies will be determined by two foreigners, who were lured here at the same time because they were considered Europe's most successful coaches.

Twice a Spanish Championship winner with Valencia, Benitez won the UEFA Cup last season, while Mourinho, twice a Portuguese Championship winner with Porto, followed his UEFA Cup success by winning the European Cup last year.

In theory at least, we should see a real high-class battle of tactical wits at Cardiff, though the condition of the pitch will be a significant factor.

"Liverpool have played a little less recently than Chelsea and that might help them," said Eriksson.

"But it's going to be close and, of course, the team that win the first trophy of the season have that extra bit of confidence for the last few weeks."