Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Jose Mourinho gives Liverpool BIZARRE praise but aims dig at Manchester United
JOSE MOURINHO has praised Liverpool for how well they have their ball boys trained and taken a dig at former club Manchester United in the process.
The Reds completed a remarkable 4-0 win over Barcelona earlier this week to book their place in the Champions League final.
And Mourinho was particular impressed with how quickly the ball boys did their job to help Liverpool maintain their fast tempo against the Spanish champions.
Liverpool went into the game 3-0 down on aggregate knowing a momentous performance would be required to make it to the final.
And Mourinho noticed the ball boys played their role in the comeback.
"You want a quick throw-in, the ball boy needs to know that you want a quick throw-in. The ball needs to arrive fast," he told RT.
"The goal kicks, the tempo of the game, the ball boys can also play a part in a good structure.
"In this game, the kid, very intelligent, very bright."
Mourinho then took a veiled dig at Manchester United for them failing to recognise the importance of having their ball boys well drilled.
Liverpool vs Barcelona: Klopp is reason for win says Mourinho
"I had a club where they never understood how important the ball boys are," he added.
"I was a ball boy, a top ball boy… when I was a ball boy, I even knew where the players wanted the ball for a corner, so they didn't need to touch the ball.
"(At) a real football club, every detail is very, very important."
Mourinho was sacked by United earlier this season and has yet to take a new job.
The Special One has been offered a number of roles but is set to make a decision on his future this summer.
Liverpool will face Tottenham in the Champions League final on Saturday, June 1.
Spurs completed their own remarkable comeback against Ajax to setup the all Premier League showdown.
It means Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp both have a chance to win a major trophy this campaign.