Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has stated that the players trust manager Jose Mourinho, and he trusts them in return.

The Blues have endured a poor start to their defence of the Premier League title, losing six of their 12 games, which leaves them 16th in the table and with pressure mounting on Mourinho.

Fabregas has insisted that the Portuguese coach, who was unable to attend Saturday's defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium due to a one-match stadium ban, has the full backing of all the Chelsea players.

"I don't think Mourinho will be sacked," the 28-year-old told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

"The coach trusts us and we trust him. We all have to work together to come out of this bad spell.

"The level of play at Chelsea does not correspond with the results, but I'm certain that we will improve. I feel good and I trust this group."

Reports have suggested that Mourinho will be given time to improve Chelsea's fortunes.