Mourinho’s crisis deepens as Chelsea lose 1-0 to Stoke City

What is for sure, however, is that the manager is in a precarious position following Chelsea’s seventh defeat in 12 Premier League games and 10th in all competitions this season.

And the fact that this was their best performance for a few time will be of little consolation. Perhaps. Because Diego Costa was alleged to have stamped on the foot of a Stoke steward.

STAY: “You only get rid of a manager at this time of the season if it is clear the players are not performing for him and on the basis of what I have seen here at Stoke City the players are performing for him”.

Mourinho’s public and private criticism of individual players is at the heart of their dissatisfaction, with many believing they have been unfairly singled out while the Portuguese protects his “favourites”. But it’s a rare occurrence when the opposition manager isn’t standing there.

Jose Mourinho is a world class manager, there’s no doubting that – but he needs to go.

“I don’t think the dressing room has abandoned him”, he added.

Beaten Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic revealed Mourinho had delivered his team talk at the hotel itself.

Chelsea are now not next in action until after the worldwide break, when they are due to host Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on 21st November.

“We showed great qualities once again and there were big performances by everybody – I am delighted”.

Not allowed in because of a one-match stadium ban (he beat a previous one by hiding inside a laundry basket), he can at least tell Abramovich this team are not improved by removing him from the dugout. His spirit and his presence is always there; he’s always around us and he prepared us well.

Walters missed the target with a presentable opportunity to put the game beyond doubt at the other end after being found by substitute Mame Biram Diouf, before Remy – off-balance after being clipped as he attempted to round Butland – passed up the last big opportunity to save Chelsea as their awful start to the season continued.

Chelsea are working hard to sort out a bumper new deal for Willian as top European sides eye the Brazilian.

Mourinho was banned from watching at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium by the FA after making abusive comments to referee Jon Moss at West Ham United last month.

Chelsea were quick to confirm Mourinho would not be sacked after his side’s defeat against Liverpool last weekend and it remains to be seen whether similar vibes will be released after this latest setback.