Post by Billy on Jan 12, 2005 20:58:43 GMT -5
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he would love to have Deco in his squad, but claims he has players that compare favourably with the Barcelona schemer.
Deco was a key cog in the Porto wheel last term, as his imperious displays in the middle of the park helped the club lift the UEFA Champions League and domestic title.
Before Mourinho turned his back on Porto, Deco had already agreed to join Barcelona and the Brazilian-born star has adapted well to the pressures of life in Catalunya.
Mourinho is not surprised by Deco's impact at Barcelona, as he believes the midfielder is one of the world's most gifted talents, and admits he would love to see him pulling the strings at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues chief also feels there are any number of his all-conquering Porto squad who could adapt to life in The Premiership, but admits he has enough quality already at his disposal at Stamford Bridge.
"It is clear that I miss Deco, yes," Mourinho told El Mundo Deportivo. "But there are others, Maniche and McCarthy (Benni) and all those who contributed to make Porto champions of Europe in that season.
"I would like to have Deco with me, but also any of the others, as the most important thing last year was the solidity of the squad. But I have great quality now."
Chelsea fans will get a first-hand look at Deco in the New Year, as the two teams will lock horns in the UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho has thrived in the early months of his tenure at Stamford Bridge, looking unfazed by the weight of expectation in West London, and he admits the pressure in England is different to what he has experienced before.
"It (pressure) exists," he added. "But I can work with more tranquillity.
"For example, I have signed a four-year contract with Chelsea and coaches are hardly ever dismissed in England in the first season unless results are catastrophic.
"Also, the press are not pursuing you as actively here."
Deco was a key cog in the Porto wheel last term, as his imperious displays in the middle of the park helped the club lift the UEFA Champions League and domestic title.
Before Mourinho turned his back on Porto, Deco had already agreed to join Barcelona and the Brazilian-born star has adapted well to the pressures of life in Catalunya.
Mourinho is not surprised by Deco's impact at Barcelona, as he believes the midfielder is one of the world's most gifted talents, and admits he would love to see him pulling the strings at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues chief also feels there are any number of his all-conquering Porto squad who could adapt to life in The Premiership, but admits he has enough quality already at his disposal at Stamford Bridge.
"It is clear that I miss Deco, yes," Mourinho told El Mundo Deportivo. "But there are others, Maniche and McCarthy (Benni) and all those who contributed to make Porto champions of Europe in that season.
"I would like to have Deco with me, but also any of the others, as the most important thing last year was the solidity of the squad. But I have great quality now."
Chelsea fans will get a first-hand look at Deco in the New Year, as the two teams will lock horns in the UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho has thrived in the early months of his tenure at Stamford Bridge, looking unfazed by the weight of expectation in West London, and he admits the pressure in England is different to what he has experienced before.
"It (pressure) exists," he added. "But I can work with more tranquillity.
"For example, I have signed a four-year contract with Chelsea and coaches are hardly ever dismissed in England in the first season unless results are catastrophic.
"Also, the press are not pursuing you as actively here."