Hughes hails magnificent Mourinho
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has hailed the achievements of his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho ahead of the two clubs’ Premiership clash at Ewood Park tonight.
Hughes has joined the growing band of Mourinho admirers after the way the Portuguese coach has taken his side to the verge of the title in his first season in charge.
And he admitted his own side face a massive test of their own recent level of improvement after their 4-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge in October.
Hughes said: “Jose Mourinho is a very impressive guy who has had a huge impact on his team and given them a fantastic team spirit.
“Everyone has been really impressed by Mourinho and the players he has brought into the club and they are going to be very difficult to beat to the Championship.”
And former Chelsea player Hughes singled out one player in particular who he feared in tonight’s clash.
Dutchman Arjen Robben made his Chelsea debut in the return fixture against Rovers, coming on as a second-half substitute for Joe Cole.
Since then Robben has gone on to take the Premiership by storm and evolve into a realistic contender for footballer of the year.
Hughes added: “Our game down there was the first introduction of Robben. He only played for 20 minutes but he made an impression in that short space of time.”
Striker Paul Dickov is Hughes’ main fitness worry as he bids to recover from the nagging groin problem which ruled him out of the weekend FA Cup win over Colchester.
Meanwhile, Hughes expressed his disappointment over the departure of former captain Barry Ferguson back to Rangers.
Hughes finally admitted defeat this week in his battle to persuade Ferguson to remain at Ewood Park.
Hughes said: “I spoke to Barry before the weekend and I was a little disappointed with what I got back so on reflection I thought it was best for Barry and ourselves if we all moved on.
“Once Rangers got to a proper and right level in regards to the transfer fee, I recommended to the board that they should let him go.
“Barry is a good player but I have got other very, very good midfield players. We have just been able to bring in Robbie Savage so that more than compensates for Barry’s loss.”
Despite his experience so soon in his club management career against his former club, Hughes is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against Mourinho.
And after a good spell of recent form which has dragged Rovers away from the drop zone, the Welshman has plenty of grounds for optimism ahead of arguably the toughest task of the season to date.
“This is what the Premiership is all about when you play teams who are as good as Chelsea,” added Hughes.
“They are a really exciting side to watch and it will be a big test but I think there will come a time where Chelsea are not quite at the level they have been at all season.
“We hope that time will come tonight and that when it does we are able to capitalise upon it.”
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