Chelsea boss Mourinho's behaviour has come under close scrutiny in recent days, with his frequent outspoken remarks interpreted in some quarters as evidence he is feeling the strain.

But former England captain Butcher believes Mourinho's apparent decision to hog the spotlight is merely a strategy designed to allow his players to go about their business in peace.

"What Mourinho is doing at the moment is very clever and very good," Butcher - who will take over as manager of Brentford next month - revealed.

"He is playing mind games with other people, and taking the pressure off the players with what he says, which is good management.

"Everyone is focusing on what he says, and wondering what the reaction will be.

"Does he do it on purpose? Of course he does. He is a very clever guy, and I think it is wonderful.

"Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez are all very good at this.

"They say something, and they know it will make the headlines, meaning people pay attention to what they say, rather than what their players are doing.

"Is Mourinho cracking up? Not at all. He is completely sane.

"I hope I can be accused of cracking up next season if it means Brentford are in the running for four trophies."

Butcher will watch his new club's final two games of the Coca-Cola League One season, before planning how to guide them to immediate promotion from League Two in the 2007/08 campaign.

For the 48-year-old, who won 77 caps for England and played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, Brentford will be the fifth club he has managed after spells with Coventry, Sunderland, Motherwell and Sydney FC.

Butcher played under Sir Bobby Robson during his time with Ipswich and England, and revealed he had spoken to Robson about his decision to return to club management in England.

Butcher added: "I spoke to a number of people, including Sir Bobby Robson, and I didn't receive one negative opinion or piece of advice.

"Sir Bobby is always positive. If you ever feel a bit down or depressed, you just speak to him, because he will lift your spirits sky-high.

"You feel the enthusiasm emanating from him.

"We spoke about a number of things, and I spoke to other managers who knew the area and knew the game, and they believed this would be a good decision for me."