Jose Mourinho: Chelsea manager has 'no right' to make signings

Mourinho is confident despite Chelsea's worst start to a season since 1978-79, when they were relegated

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he does not "have the right" to ask the club for signings in the January transfer window.

The Premier League champions have lost seven of their 12 games so far and lie 16th in the table.

"I would be more than happy to be myself and the squad that I have now. I am happy with my players, I trust the players," said Mourinho.

The Blues host Norwich at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

'I don't need other players'

Chelsea's biggest summer signing was Pedro from Barcelona for £21m

Chelsea have been linked with big money moves for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in January.

However, Mourinho wants the players currently at his disposal to get them out of their lowly position.

"Our performance during the season in the Premier League is not good enough," he said.

"If I ask for players, or if the club gives me a handful of players, it's like taking the responsibility (away from) us and saying we need extra to reach our objectives.

"I want to have the responsibility in my hands, I want the players to have the responsibility.

"I want the players to feel that I trust them and that I don't need other players to reach the objectives."

The trust is still there

The Portuguese boss also believes he retains the support of owner Roman Abramovich and technical director Michael Emenalo told the Daily Telegraph that the Russian supports Mourinho.

Chelsea have lost their past three league matches, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.

"Nobody gives a four-year contract to a manager if they don't trust the person," Mourinho said.

"Nobody gives new contracts to players, as we have in the last couple of months, if we don't trust the players.

"There is trust and there are reasons for that trust. The power is with the board and they have shown to me and the players that they trust us.

"It's time for us to give a positive answer. I think we are doing this but not in the results."