'Abramovich knows Mourinho is the right man for Chelsea'

Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo insists Jose Mourinho has the full backing from Roman Abramovich.

The Premier League champions currently sit 16th in the Premier League having suffered seven defeats in their opening 12 games.

Mourinho has already been given the public support by Chelsea but Emenalo, who is one of Abramovich’s closest allies at Stamford Bridge, insists the Russian billionaire “has the whole picture” of the current situation at the club.

“When it comes to decisions, we feel confident we have an owner who has a very good track record, who is astute at making decisions of this kind at the right time to get us to where we want to be,” Emenalo said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Real Madrid's problems are exaggerated - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique believes Real Madrid's problems have been exaggerated and insists Saturday's Clasico will not prove decisive in the race for the league title.

Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu with a three-point advantage at the top of the table and with Madrid reportedly in disarray amid speculation senior players are disgruntled with the tactics employed by new boss Rafa Benitez.

But Luis Enrique, who played for both clubs, says suggestions Barcelona can move in to an unassailable lead by beating their rivals are over the top.

Luis Enrique: Messi won't be 100% for Clasico

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed Lionel Messi is available for Saturday’s Clasico, but stressed he will not be “100 per cent fit” for the trip to Real Madrid.

Enrique wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not Messi will start the match at the Bernabeu, though, saying he will make a decision on his line-up as close to kick off as possible.

The Argentina international has been missing since the end of September when he injured ligaments in his knee against Las Palmas.

However, he has returned to training this week and could feature in this weekend’s top of La Liga clash.

“With respect to Leo, he’s back with the squad and the feelings are positive,” the Barca boss told a press conference.