• Champions League

Rodgers reveals Chelsea inspiration

Brendan Rodgers admits Chelsea inspired him to dream of managing a team in the Champions League final.

Liverpool's leader will take charge of a side in Europe's elite competition for the first time on Tuesday when they take on Bulgarian champions Ludogorets at Anfield.

He was a member of Chelsea's coaching staff when they lost the Champions League final to Manchester United in 2008 and forming a part of the backroom team sealed an ambition he hopes to fulfil with Liverpool.

"I had an experience of a Champions League final in Moscow," Rodgers said. "I remember walking out of the tunnel when the teams were coming out and I was behind them. I was picturing myself as the manager in a Champions League final.

"I was putting myself in that position and what it might be like. So when we were walking out I was framing the mindset that one day, if this was to happen, then I will have been here before.

"At that time in my mind I was preparing towards being the manager. With all the experiences of games in that period, they all helped me because in my mind I was looking at the game and making decisions as a manager."

After leaving Chelsea, Rodgers spent four years fine-tuning his managerial methods with stints at Watford, Reading and Swansea before taking up the reins at Liverpool in 2012.

He is now relishing the opportunity to lead Liverpool out in the Champions League for the first time in five years, claiming the club is back where it belongs, and said he is more than ready for the challenge.

"I have been able to sample it in a second position really from a coaching perspective so I know the dynamics around the Champions League and the excitement it brings to everyone involved, Rodgers said.

"It's something that I have really, really wanted to experience as a coach. At 41 to be able to get the chance to do it is really young but it's something I'm really looking forward to."

"There have been many very good coaches that have never had the opportunity to work [at this level]. I feel totally relaxed at the level and around the big games. This is it. I have worked all my life as a coach."

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