Mourinho and Liverpool - A war in waiting

It's coming. Slowly, but surely. We all know it. Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers are edging ever closer toward to the centre of Jose Mourinho's cross hairs. Warning shots are already being fired. The full verbal arsenal is ready to be unleashed.

When Mourinho returned to England back in June, Liverpool were an afterthought. No one considered them title challengers. Why would they? The Reds had finished 7th last season. They wouldn't pose a threat to Chelsea, who would be fighting with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United for the Premier League crown. That was the conventional wisdom back then. Back then when Mourinho was trying to convince everyone that he was a changed man. More relaxed, less abrasive. Yeah, right.

After a surprisingly sedate first few months back in England, during which he somehow managed to avoid too much controversy, Mourinho discarded his disingenuous 'Happy One' guise and reverted to type: He went on the attack against his those who threatened his team's chances of success.

Mourinho is becoming more vocal about Brendan Rodgers' team

First target: His old foe Arsene Wenger. Classless barbs flew in the direction of the Emirates about how the Frenchman was an 'expert in failure'. Manuel Pellegrini got it in the neck too. Plenty of 'mind games' about 'little horses' and other such nonsense appeared in the press with the purpose of seeking a response and placing pressure on the one Manchester club still in the title hunt. The battle lines had been drawn.

When these assaults were taking place, Arsenal, City and Chelsea were the three teams that everyone was backing to go the distance in the race for the title. Now though, with just seven games remaining, Mourinho's oldest and most detested English rivals are coming into focus.

They have not gone away. They have not faded as most thought they would. Every victory keeps them within touching distance of Chelsea. Within touching distance of Mourinho. Within touching distance of the Premier League trophy. The season is drawing to a close. It is only a matter of time before the insults and 'mind games' go up a notch from Jose and this time they will likely be fired at his bete noir; Liverpool Football Club. To say that there is history is between the two entities is an understatement.

Liverpool are the pimple on Mourinho's perfect face. A permanent scar upon his person. A wound that has yet to fully heal. An enemy he has yet to vanquish. They are the one club that have harmed his C.V - his beloved, precious C.V - more than any other in this country.

Two European Cups denied. An F.A Cup triumph snatched away, too. Luis Garcia, Rafael Benitez, the 'ghost goal' and 'the power of Anfield Road' are things that Jose will take to his grave. He can't let them go. His overall record against the Merseysiders may be impressive (8 wins and 5 defeats), but when it's really mattered, Liverpool have always outdone the self anointed 'Special One' and punctured his ego. He would claim otherwise, of course he would, but he would be telling porkies.

Best of enemies: Benitez and Mourinho at Anfield in 2005 

When quizzed today on whether the Reds' impressive season had surprised him, Mourinho simply repeated the line about Liverpool that he has stuck to all season long. 'They have not had to play in Europe'. The implication is that Liverpool's relative lack of fixtures is the main contributory factor to their success. There is some validity in those comments of course, but the absence of any praise or acknowledgement for a manager with whom he has worked closely and apparently has a good relationship with, speaks volumes. He will not be handing out any compliments to Brendan Rodgers until Liverpool are out of his line of fire.

Like Alex Ferguson before him, Jose Mourinho loves a loser and isn't particularly fond of a winner. If you are no threat to him, you can expect praise and support. During his time as Real Madrid manager, he backed Rodgers to succeed at Liverpool and endorsed him as a top manager. The moment you challenge him? Well, better get your defences ready because an onslaught will materialise quickly. No more nice words for his mate Brendan. Not now.

Liverpool play Chelsea on April 27th. At Anfield. The grave of two of Mourinho's European dreams. If Rodgers' side are still within striking distance of the London club as that game draws close then you can bet that the venom towards Liverpool will really start flying in the press room at Cobham. Mourinho won't be able to help himself.

Fingers are on triggers. Helmets at the ready everyone.