Blues backing Mourinho

Last updated : 07 March 2006 By Paul Lagan
Richardo Carvalho and Didier Drogba have come out in defence of underfire Jose Mourinho.

No sooner had the boys landed in Spain when Mourinho was subjected to abuse from a small section of the Barca support.

But Carvalho said: "It's more difficult for him, because he is the one having the problems going through the airport."

The 27-year-old added: "The players don't have so many problems.

"There were some badly behaved people but there were only a few of them doing things out of place.

"The atmosphere in the squad is good, and we are confident. It was difficult in the first leg. But our goal is still to reach the next stage of the competition, and we are here to try.

"We are playing a great team with great attacking qualities. They are a hard team to defend against, but we have the quality to play well and the confidence to put in a good game."

Drogba added: "He is the greatest. There is no other coach that I would want in this situation. With all due respect to Barca I'm convinced we will come back."

Mourinho's view of things is: "I'm the first to leave the airport, I know what I am doing. After that the players don't have anything.

"It was the same at the hotel. I left two or three minutes before and the guys follow me so it's easy for them."

Mourinho added: "On Tuesday I will go to the pitch before the game and try to take the good feeling of the crowd.

"But I can't do anything once the referee starts the game. It's up to the players, but we have players with some experience and they can handle the situation."