Burton boss Nigel Clough believes Jose Mourinho is a modern-day version of his no-nonsense dad Brian.

Clough junior says comparisons between the ‘Special One’ and his legendary old man are inescapable.

Clough senior, who won the European Cup twice at Nottingham Forest and the title once each with them and Derby, even compared himself to Manchester United manager Mourinho when the Portuguese first arrived at Chelsea in 2004.

“The way they deal with things in such a no-nonsense manner is similar,” said Nigel. “I think they look at things in very similar ways.

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"The way he deals with the press and the media, Jose says what he thinks — and that’s the biggest similarity.”

In a biography of Brian, it was revealed Clough had said of Mourinho: “He reminds me a lot of me when I was his age — but I was better looking!”

Mourinho is chasing his fourth Premier League title — and third Champions League (
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Burton go to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with skipper Jake Buxton urging his team-mates to show no fear and to have a go at Mourinho’s stars.

Buxton and Brewers team-mate Stephen Warnock were both part of the Wigan side beaten 4-0 at United in the FA Cup last January.

He recalls: “We were doing OK at half-time, but they went up the gears in the second half.

“The key is not to let the occasion get to you. It’s a chance to punch with the big boys. You have to stand toe-to-toe and have a go at them.”

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