John Terry, 34, has said Mourinho will be in charge at Chelsea “for the rest of the season and long after I have finished because he is the best man to take the club forward”.

Terry also took a swipe at football analyst, Robbie Savage for criticizing the London club heavily.

The Chelsea skipper said Mourinho was under pressure “because of the way we are performing”.

He added: “Collectively we know we need to be better for him.

“It is unfair he takes the criticism. We are prepared to fight and anyone who has been at the games can see that.

“In all aspects he is by far – a long, long way – the best manager I have worked with. We are going to turn this round.”

Terry acknowledged his own form was below normal standards, saying: “I can be better personally for sure. I need to be back up to where I was last season.

“I have come under criticism from players I have looked up to and take it on the chin. Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, etc. When certain other people speak, maybe I don’t listen to players who have played at a really bad level, who haven’t had a career.

“Robbie Savage being one. He has dug me out a couple of times. You take it as a footballer, as an individual. I’ll take it from the Rios, Carraghers and Neville. All day long. From others? No.”