New Watford boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate for revenge on Tottenham - just nine months after being part of the Chelsea staff as they lost to Spurs in the Carling Cup final.

Spurs continue the defence of their title at Vicarage Road in tonight's quarter-final against the Championship club, with Rodgers, in only his second match in charge, trying to outwit Harry Redknapp, who has been a manager since 1983.

Rodgers quit his post as Chelsea reserve coach to take over at Watford, after suffering the disappointment of a Wembley defeat when Spurs beat the Blues 2-1 in February to claim the Carling Cup.

Rodgers said: "I was involved in the build-up to the final. I sat in the stand to watch the game, but I was involved in the preparation, which was a great experience for a young coach.

"During my time at Chelsea, I was always made to feel a part of the staff and travelled to major finals with them, including the Champions League.

"To be walking out against Spurs so soon after the Carling Cup final is incredible, but it has not happened by accident.

"I know I am good at what I do. To see me managing Watford in a Carling Cup quarter-final will be a surprise for most, but getting into management was a goal for me all my life.

"It has probably come a little sooner than I imagined. I was at a wonderful club, one of the biggest in the world, and I have gained experiences that most coaches probably won't have in their lifetimes.

"At Chelsea, I can't remember there being a game where we were not favourites. The pressure to win was massive.

"The situation I am in now is the opposite, because Tottenham will be the favourites tonight."

Rodgers, 35, was recommended for the Watford job by Jose Mourinho, who made a personal call to former Hornets chairman Graham Simpson to press Rodgers's claims.

The pair arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2004 and became close allies until Mourinho's sacking in September 2007.

Rodgers added: "We have exchanged text messages since I took this job. He was my mentor for a lot of my time at Chelsea, because maybe he saw something of himself in me. We both want certain quality in our sides, and we are very ambitious."

Tonight's tie also sees Redknapp come face-to-face with brother-in-law Frank Lampard Snr after the latter was brought in by Rodgers as football consultant at Vicarage Road.