Brendan Rodgers has accused Jose Mourinho’s critics of showing a “lack of respect", and feels the Tottenham Hotspur boss’ methods still have a future in football.
Rodgers brings his Leicester City side to North London this afternoon as both sides continue their respective chases for European football for next season.
The Foxes are looking to sew up a spot in the top-four in order to qualify for the Champions League, while Spurs – who currently sit seventh in the table – are aiming for a place in next season’s Europa League.
Mourinho has managed to improve his side’s standing in the Premier League since taking over back in November, when they were sat in 12th following a disappointing start to the season.
It hasn’t been plain sailing for the Portuguese though, and his playing style and tactics have come in for some criticism for being perceived as negative.
But Rodgers, who spent time as a youth and reserve team manager during Mourinho’s first spell at Chelsea, believes the criticism is unwarranted.
"Jose is a world-class manager. He has been until this point of his career and will continue to be that," said Rodgers.
"It (criticism) is a lack of respect and normally from people that have never stood on this sideline.
"OK, football continues to evolve and change, but you still have room for different types of football.
"Jose's a master at getting his teams organised, difficult to beat and winning. There's different philosophies and identities of managers and there's no right or wrong.
"He's proven over many years that he's such a successful manager and he'll be looking to bring success to Tottenham. His longevity in the game, what he's done, and what he continues to do deserves a huge amount of respect."
