Mourinho thanks Abramovich for his public show of support, hits back at Capello’s public criticism

Jose Mourinho thanked Roman Abramovich for giving him a public vote of confidence.

Chelsea's billionaire owner took the unusual step of authorising a statement of support for Blues boss Mourinho after the champions' nightmare start to the season.

The club's pledge to stand by their man Mourinho was the first time Chelsea have ever publicly backed a boss in the Abramovich era.

And Mourinho said: "That makes me proud. 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 also hit back at former England boss Fabio Capello who claimed Mourinho “burns out” his players mentally after two years.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Mourinho said: “I read what Capello said: I think a coach with his story had better talk about football without comment on the work of his colleagues.

“I could have commented on his job as coach for England or the Russian one, and I never did. Because I prefer to respect the negative moments of my colleagues.

“I prefer to talk more of Fabio Capello in the many beautiful moments of his career, full of extraordinary success.”

Capello's claims came after Chelsea slumped to 16th place in the Premier League following Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Southampton.

It was Chelsea's sixth defeat in 12 games this season and made it the club's worst start to a season for 37 years.

And Mourinho admitted he is still trying to get to the bottom of why Chelsea are struggling so badly just a few months after winning the league.

He said: "I do not know why the results with Chelsea at the moment are really bad. I can not 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.”