Jose's graduation

"He was just that," recalled Robson. "I gave him more and more responsibility and we developed a mutual respect. He learned fast and was very clever. He did a bit of coaching, a bit of scouting, wrote match reports, that kind of thing.

"We've kept in touch. I phoned him before the semi-final, second leg against Deportivo in Spain. I thought he'd get to the final and I just wanted to wish him luck, but he was out. I suggested to his wife that he might like to call if he wanted a chat."

Robson has been careful in recent weeks not to appear to be promoting Mourinho because he has a genuine regard for Ranieri and what he has achieved at Stamford Bridge.

"I've been impressed with his attitude and the way he's handled a very difficult situation," said the former England boss.

In his last months as manager at Barcelona Robson encountered many of the problems now facing Ranieri.

In 1997 he suspected that Louis van Gaal had been lined up to replace him at the Nou Camp but stayed focused and led Barcelona to victory in the Cup Winners Cup Final. On the bench with him as Barcelona beat Paris St Germain 1-0 in Rotterdam that night was Mourinho.

When Robson left Barcelona to join PSV Eindhoven Mourinho wanted to go with him. But Robson urged him to stay at the Nou Camp because he felt he would learn more working with players like Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert.

Mourinho, whose father had coached Vitoria de Setubal, worked alongside Robson for nearly eight years. "The first thing I told him was that I wanted to know whatever Luis Figo, or anyone else, muttered about me," recalled the Newcastle and former Ipswich manager.

Mourinho went with him to Porto in 1993 and to Barcelona three years later. "We had a very good working relationship and, once he'd found his feet, he was on the pitch with me every day," said Robson.

"He was a good student. He was a great help to me but I think he learned a lot too. He quickly realised the importance of establishing a rapport with the players.

"He'd never been a player at a high level so he respected what they could do. He never tried to belittle them. He was a great guy with the players and they appreciated that. He's done very well for himself and I'm thrilled for him."

After a disappointing three months at Benfica, Mourinho was appointed manager of Porto in January 2002 and ended his first full season with a remarkable treble - - Portuguese title, Cup and UEFA Cup, beating Celtic 3-2 in the final.

And now he's added the European Cup to his emerging CV.

Confident and considered aloof by some, Mourinho's built a reputation as a meticulous and demanding coach and motivator who favours a high-tempo pressing game and tactical discipline, as was demonstrated against Monaco last night.

Porto's European Cup success is based largely on the quality of their organisation and team-play rather than on the skills of outstanding individuals.

His early success with Porto attracted interest from big clubs across Europe. "I urged him to be patient," said Robson. "He needed more experience."

Is he now ready to embrace the Abramovich revolution at Stamford Bridge? Robson is reluctant to pass an opinion.

"Let's just say it would be a formidable challenge for him," he smiled. "He'd be a very lucky man if given the chance. I'm sure he knows that."