By John Sinnott

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL Preview: FC Porto v Monaco

Uefa technical director Andy Roxburgh believes the Champions League's new format explains why the competition has produced so many shocks this season.

Roxburgh told BBC Sport: "Bayern Munich's new coach Felix Magath talked about the format change at Uefa's elite coaches Forum last September.

"He argued the changes gave smaller sides a chance of causing a surprise.

"His prediction has come true. The group stages were predictable, but the knockout stage certainly has not been."

For the start of this season Uefa dropped the second group stage, reverting to a knockout format.

Roxburgh added: "I know Arsenal's Arsene Wenger was disappointed to see the second phase group stage discarded.

"He thought that group phase had the top teams and the best games - the creme de la creme.

"But Uefa took the view there were too many matches and we should take a leap of faith and cut down the number of games.

"I think that decision has been vindicated. The public like surprises and for the dark horses to show.

"The surprise element is good for the game. It means the big guns have to be on the guard."

As to Wednesday's final between Porto and Monaco, Roxburgh added he was delighted to see both clubs led by such young managers

"Jose Mourinho did his first two coaching courses with me in Scotland," said Uefa's technical director.

"He is a very good communicator and can speak to the players in their own language.

"He is also very well organised. His team allies structure with individual talent. He is a very competitive man, who pays attention to the small details. Porto are very much a reflection of Mourinho.

"I first saw Deschamps in the late 80s. I had gone to watch Mo Johnston playing for Nantes and I asked which French players I should look out for and he immediately said: 'Didier Deschamps'.

"He was the coach's coach on the pitch as a player. He hasn't surprised me he has done so well with Monaco. Many star players do not think about the game, but that was not the case with Deschamps.

"As with Porto and Mourinho, Monaco are the absolute mirror of the coach. They have a great work ethic and a superb game appreciation - by that I mean they know how to win matches."

Roxburgh believes Mourinho and Deschamps typify the breed of a new type of coach.

"Both of them are very open-minded. They have got this youthful enthusiasm and spirit of adventure. They think they can rule the world.

"They've brought new ideas, particular as regards preparation, which has been very refreshing."