Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Paul Ince ahead of Chelsea's
FA Cup clash against Macclesfield.
Macclesfield have enjoyed a new lease of life since Ince took
charge in October, and Mourinho feels his management style mirrors
the way he used to play for Manchester United and England.
"I have just shaken his hand a couple of times but when you
remember him as a player, you can feel his character and
personality," hailed Mourinho.
"So it doesn't surprise me that he brings that type of personality
to his new job. He is a leader, he is a fighter. They are a team
with confidence after four victories in a row.
"As a player he was afraid of nothing, so I can guess he will not
be afraid for his team to play at Stamford Bridge."
Mourinho is relieved to see his side take a break from Premiership
action following a poor Christmas period, but admits he will not be
able to rest many players against Macclesfield.
"We are going to play with the best team we have, but the players
we have are the only players in condition to play," he said.
"I am happy it is the FA Cup and Macclesfield and not the Premier
League."
Ashley Cole also admitted that Chelsea had found it hard to cope
with their injury crisis in recent weeks, but is hoping the FA Cup
will provide them with a timely boost.
"We had a lot of games and it was tough on the lads over Christmas,
with the injuries and that," he explained.
"Hopefully we can beat Macclesfield and start winning games
again.
"I think there will be a few players rested so it will be a chance
for fringe players to come in and impress. But it will be a tough
game.
"The FA Cup means everything to me and the rest of the players. We
know how important it is to win trophies and the FA Cup is a
special one to win."