Joe Cole feeling the heat at Chelsea
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-06 08:57

Mourinho and Cole do not always see eye to eye as seen recently during Chelsea's first-leg Champions League defeat to Barcelona when the England midfielder was furious at being substituted.

"The manager wants me to become a better player but we have not always seen eye-to-eye," said Cole. "He has been critical of me and at times it has hurt. But it has also worked, which is the most important thing.

"I was very disappointed to come off during that match but the gaffer tried to explain it was necessary after we had gone down to 10 men.

"But as far as I was concerned, I needed to be on the pitch to try and win it. A few words were said but I had to try and think about what the manager was thinking."

Cole is now ready for the return clash at the Nou Camp.

"Barcelona is the defining game of the season and we are planning on making it a game to cherish," said Cole.

"March is the month that will separate the men from the boys. We all know now is the time to stand up and be counted."