Mourinho ‘proud’ to be given Chelsea’s backing

Jose Mourinho has told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport he is “proud” to have been given Chelsea’s support following the club’s poor start to the season.

Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Southampton left the Blues 16th in the Premier League table – 10 points behind leaders Manchester City – and triggered speculation that Mourinho’s future as manager could be in doubt.

The former Inter Milan boss insisted he would not resign and appeared to challenge Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to back him.

Chelsea subsequently issued a statement, saying the Portuguese had the club’s “full support”.

“It makes me proud,” said Mourinho, whose team return to action against Aston Villa a week on Saturday.

“It shows the confidence of Abramovich in the manager who has won three Premier League titles with this club. I thank him and I keep working.

“I do not know why the results with Chelsea at the moment are really bad. I cannot, nor want, to hide the reality, and I struggle to find an explanation.

“But I assure you I’m working like never before and we will come out of it.”