Chelsea release statement on Jose Mourinho future

Chelsea have released a statement backing Jose Mourinho to turn their season around after another damaging Premier League defeat.

Saturday's 3-1 reverse at home to Southampton left the champions languishing in 16th spot, ten points behind Man City after just eight matches.

During an emotional and lengthy post-match interview, Mourinho made it clear he would only resign when Chelsea's first team squad lose his trust.

Boldly claiming the club would be sacking "their best ever manager" if he gets the boot, Mourinho's comments were seen as a direct challenge to Chelsea's hierarchy for a public show of support.

In an unusual step certain to be interpreted by many as 'the dreaded vote of confidence' which often precedes a managerial casualty, Chelsea released the following statement this afternoon:

The club wants to make it clear that Jose continues to have our full support.

As Jose has said himself, results have not been good enough and the team's performances must improve. However, we believe that we have the right manager to turn this season around and that he has the squad with which to do it.

– CHELSEA CLUB STATEMENT