Chelsea: Jose Mourinho thanks Roman Abramovich for support

Jose Mourinho returned for a second spell in charge of Chelsea in June 2013

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has thanked owner Roman Abramovich for backing him despite their worst start to a top-flight season since 1978-79.

A statement from the Blues said the manager who led them to last season's Premier League title had the "full support" of the club.

Mourinho told Gazzetta dello Sport: "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."

Mourinho said he was "struggling to find an explanation" for Chelsea's poor start to the campaign, which sees them in 16th place.

The Portuguese, who signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge in August, remains convinced they will turn their season around.

"What's going on? I do not know. I cannot hide that reality, and I don't want to," Mourinho added.

"But I assure you that I am working like never before and we will come out of this."