Deco: "The best Chelsea player - J.Mourinho" © EuroFootball.com

Before the UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday between a London and a Spanish club, the Portuguese star Deco stated that the best player of the London club is their coach Jose Mourinho.

"Each team is a reflection of the coach, and 'Chelsea' greatly feels Mourinho's influence, his mentality, the mentality of a winner - hard work and fighting for everything," Deco officially told the Barcelona website on Monday.

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal between these teams will take place on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. This match is special because last year in the same stage, 'Chelsea' eliminated the Spanish superclub.

"They have great players, but the strength of 'Chelsea' lies in teamwork, their ability to work together and in the mentality of winners," added Deco. - "I think the best player of 'Chelsea' is Mourinho because he pushed the players to fight until the last drop of blood. Mourinho allowed 'Chelsea' players to achieve victories and trophies they had never thought of before."

Deco was Mourinho's pupil at Porto and together they won the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the UEFA Champions League in 2004.

"I think we are showing great form and are more mature than last year," Deco said about the upcoming match. - "Last year we were better than 'Chelsea', but it didn't benefit us because we lost. However, since then we have won the Spanish championship, maintained the core of the team, so we should win."

"We want to win the Champions League. In order to do that, we first have to beat 'Chelsea'," concluded the Brazilian-born midfielder. - "If we manage to win in London, we will move forward."