Source:
soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=329039&cc=5901[glow=red,2,300]Deco defends former boss Mourinho[/glow]
Barcelona midfielder Deco has sprung to the defence of Jose Mourinho following stinging criticism of the personality and management style of the Chelsea manager.
Mourinho has come under fire at the Nou Camp - and by UEFA officials - after he alleged Barca coach Frank Rijkaard had met referee Anders Frisk at half-time during the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
The Blues boss was slammed for refusing to attend the post-match press conference after the feisty encounter in Spain while Barcelona also criticised the style of football played by Chelsea.
But Deco, who won the Champions League under Mourinho at Porto last season, has given his full backing to his former manager and insists the outspoken comments made by the Blues boss makes him an easy target for abuse.
'Mourinho has had to live a very different life in England possibly due to the pressure and the sensational newspapers,' the Portugal international told PA International.
'In England, you have to defend yourself with as much effort as you can and that is different to what it was like in Portugal.
Deco continued: 'He has created a defensive style but Mourinho is not a bad person.
'He has developed a style and a way of talking about games which brings some benefits but can also have disagreeable consequences.'
Mourinho yesterday revealed his determination to stand by his staff over the Frisk row, vowing: 'I don't run away from a fight'.
Mourinho, his assistant Steve Clarke and security official Les Miles have been charged with bringing the game into disrepute by UEFA.
The trio are accused of allegedly making 'false, wrong and unfounded' claims that Rijkaard spoke with Frisk in the referee's dressing room at half-time during last month's Nou Camp clash.
The charges will be heard by UEFA's control and disciplinary body in Nyon on Thursday and Mourinho, attending an event in Tel Aviv to promote peace in the Middle East, was in defiant mood.
'I don't run away from problems and I don't change, especially when I believe in what I am doing,' he said in a press conference broadcast by Sky Sports News.
'I am a man of beliefs. If I believe I have the truth in my hands I don't run away from a fight. I don't have to change my personality or my principles.'
