Clint Hill admits he was more wrapped up with the bloke in a scarf as anything on the pitch at Chelsea last weekend.

Jose Mourinho had a pop at his own silent fans, but the Rs defender was vocal in praising the Special One’s handling of things even if Blues fans were largely unmoved by the 2-1 win.

Hill has made no secret he wants to manage when he finally hangs up his boots, which could come as early as the end of this season, and reckons using his eyes is as good as anything he might glean from a coaching class.

Word in your ear? Jose Mourinho and QPR manager Harry Redknapp

“I want to be a coach and a manager, so watching Jose and the way he reacts and how teams settle allows me to take things in every day,” Hill said.

“While I was there, I think it would be wrong not to see how they approach the game and how they react on the sidelines.

“Just watching the game would be a little too boring. You’ve got to take the opportunity to study these people.”

The 36-year-old reckons omens are good for a point at least against Manchester City tomorrow night - especially as Rs hung on to a 0-0 draw the last time the two met in January 2013.

He added: “This team haven’t played City, but we got a 0-0 at home last time. We’re slowly getting there. I don’t think we’ve put in a bad performance at home.”

Derry good: QPR's former midfielder gets stuck in with Clint Hill looking on

Hill wants to follow in the footsteps of his old Rs and Crystal Palace team-mate Shaun Derry, who on a nothing budget has taken Notts County to the play-off spots in League One.

However, on one point Hill is adamant - there will be no tattoos even if Derry has an armful.

“Dezza’s done fantastic,” said Hill, “especially as he’s had his budgets cut from last year. It speaks volumes for him.

“Rooming with Dezza I was very close to having tattoos, and I nearly buckled under the pressure, but I’m quite thankful I stand out by not having them.”

Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to QPR v Manchester City right here on GetWestLondon