First leg: Chelsea 1-2 Barcelona
Frank Rijkaard was unhappy with the reception that greeted the arrival of Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea players and hopes the home fans set an example in Camp Nou tonight as Chelsea look to preserve their 2-1 lead from the first leg.
“We have to remember that Mourinho used to work at Barça, he has fond memories of this club, so the best thing that can happen is that nobody is insulting towards him or his team.
“The two things are compatible, the sporting and the human. I saw the incidents at the airport on television and what happened to Mourinho was not good.
“This is a great chance for us to show that we respect the Chelsea team. It is an aspect in football that has to be improved. We have the result in our favour, but every game is a different story.”
The Dutch coach is also confident his side will progress to the next round.
“I have two dreams,” Rijkaard said. “As a coach, I want to win the match and go through to the next round. As a person, I think this is a good time to speak out against all kinds of aggression and abuse. I hope the Barcelona supporters can be an example of fair play and give a round of applause when the Chelsea team and José Mourinho come out.
Rafael Márquez has recovered from a knock following Saturday’s 3-2 home victory against Deportivo La Coruna, and will retain his place alongside Carles Puyol in central defence.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho explained that he walked out before his players on their arrival in the Catalan capital to take the pressure off them.
“When I was the first to leave the airport, I knew what I was doing,” the Portuguese manager said.
“After I passed through, the players had no pressure and only had to sign autographs and have photos taken. I left first and the nasty guys followed me. What I will do tomorrow is go out on the pitch first and try to take the ‘good’ feelings of the crowd and then leave it to the players. They are players with experience and they should be able to handle it, but it is a personal thing and I can’t control how they will react.”
Despite being a goal down, and away from home, Mourinho stated that he is confident before every match.
“They have an advantage in the scoreline and a psychological advantage in playing at home, but things can always change in football. Before the game I always think positive,” he said.
Frank Lampard is expected to be selected after coming through a late fitness test.
Chelsea will, however, be without Asier Del Horno, sent off a fortnight ago, and Michael Essien, who are both suspended.