Former Real Madrid boss Mourinho rarely offers up too many positive comments to offer when the subject of Barcelona is thrust in his direction, but was especially uncomplimentary towards the Catalan giants when handed the chance to give his views of the first leg encounter at the Eithad Stadium between City and Barca.
"I think this is the worst Barcelona of many, many years, so City have a chance," the Chelsea manager told ITV Sport. "Of course, by history, Barcelona is the favourite, but this Barcelona, this season, is showing that it is not the same in previous years.
"Of course they have [Lionel] Messi, he is special, and they have more than him, but this is the worst team they have had for many years."
Meanwhile, Mourinho has cast doubt over full-back Ashley Cole's hopes of breaking back into his Chelsea line-up for the final three months of this season.
England manager Roy Hodgson has hinted that Cole faces a fight to secure a place in his World Cup squad this summer unless he is playing regular first team football, but that does not seem likely any time soon.
When asked whether Cole is set for a run in his side in upcoming matches, Mourinho offered this response: "I don't know I'm very happy with the way Cesar Azpilicueta is performing," he said, before commenting on the veteran defender's World Cup ambitions.
"I cannot think in national teams at the same time as thinking about my team. There are national team managers that are very clear: they go with their players. It doesn't matter if their players are playing in the club or if they are not playing, they go with their players."
Cole is out of contract at Chelsea this summer, with his tenure warming the bench for Mourinho fuelling speculation that his days at the Stamford Bridge club may be edging towards a conclusion.
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