Chelsea keeper Begovic backs Mourinho

Asmir Begovic has insisted that Jose Mourinho is the world’s best manager and has the full support of Chelsea’s players.

Chelsea have made the club’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1986 and the champions are already 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

There have been reports of disagreements in the camp and suggestions that Blues boss Mourinho is coming under increasing pressure after three defeats in five league matches.

But goalkeeper Begovic, signed from Stoke in the summer, said: “From the outside looking in I thought he was the best manager in the world and can see now what makes him the best manager in the world.

“It’s just about how he goes about his business each and every day, how he deals with players, his honesty with players, his coaching techniques and methods.

“The players are very much together and are behind him. It’s difficult sometimes in football when things are not going your way, but we know what this team is capable of.”

Mourinho, meanwhile, has shrugged off suggestions that his position is under scrutiny following Chelsea’s disappointing start to the campaign.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Mourinho said: “I am the current champion of England. Why should I be in trouble?”

Mourinho plans to make changes to his starting line-up. Oscar will return and Baba Rahman is in line for his debut, but Radamael Falcao has been ruled out after picking up an injury in training.