With the pressure on current Barca boss Frank Rijkaard ahead of tomorrow's "el clasico" showdown with Real Madrid, Deco believes Mourinho is the man should there be a coaching vacancy at the Nou Camp.

Deco told Portuguese broadcasters SIC: "He (Mourinho) would come here and would impose his work style. What people [Barcelona fans] want is to win trophies."

Deco was part of Porto's 2004 Champions League winning team under Mourinho, who is not universally popular at the Nou Camp after remarks he made while Chelsea coach.

However, Deco is confident the fans would welcome back the man who was part of the Barca set-up under Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal.

"Some polls here (Barcelona) show that people would be glad to have him (Mourinho)," said the Brazil-born Deco, who is expected to start on the bench against Real and made no secret of his desire for Mourinho to take over.

Deco said: "I would be happy because he is a great coach, a good friend with whom I had happy moments. If it happens I would be very happy."