Jose Mourinho Reportedly Backed in Chelsea Board Meeting After Sack Rant

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been given a vote of confidence from the Stamford Bridge board after the Premier League champions' disastrous start to the defence of their title.

Neil Ashton of the Mail Online said the Special One "survived" a crisis meeting with owner Roman Abramovich after Saturday's 3-1 home capitulation against Southampton, with the billionaire decreeing a "stay of execution."

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Despite the owner's obvious frustration at results, Ashton claimed he has reassured Mourinho about his current status—as Chelsea prepare to face Aston Villa on October 17.

The defeat to the Saints prompted Mourinho to give an emotional extended television interview, as quoted by the Mirror's Darren Lewis:

Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp (h/t Nicholas Godden of Mail Online) questioned the Chelsea players' commitment to Mourinho after a "very worrying" loss on Saturday evening, and speculated whether the coach had lost the dressing room:

"

Those players, if they’re behind Jose Mourinho they’re doing a bad job of showing it because there wasn’t a tackle made. They never got close to anybody, a really poor performance. You can blame it on lack of confidence but that to me is a very worrying sign. He seems like he’s losing his players, he’s got to bring them back somehow.

"

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The Blues have already lost more league games this season than they did in the entirety of their title-winning season last term, with their confidence levels shattered after a round of stinging performances. 

It is difficult to pinpoint what has happened behind the scenes at Chelsea, with Mourinho's iron grip over the squad turning to jelly. The recent omission of John Terry has not only taken away an experienced head from the defence, but it has also potentially seriously damaged morale within the ranks. 

However, Terry's return had no impact against Southampton, with the Blues defence looking disjointed and ugly, proving Mourinho was right to mix up and rotate his back-four options.

If this form continues, Mourinho will likely be sacked; Abramovich is known for punishing his manager for less indiscretions than Chelsea's current league position, making the Special One's tenure impossible unless there is a dramatic turn of events in the coming weeks and months.