Under-fire Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he would only resign from his duties if he ever lost the trust of his players.

The Portuguese's future at Stamford Bridge is reportedly under discussion by the club's hierarchy following Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Southampton - their fifth loss of the season and fourth in the Premier League after just eight games.

The 52-year-old came out firing in his post-match interview, stating that he would not "run away" and warned owner Roman Abramovich that he would be sacking "the best manager" in Chelsea history.

"People can say what they want. I think you should go straight to the players," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Get a table at Cobham next week - John Terry doesn't go to the national team, Diego Costa doesn't go, Ramires doesn't go. Ask them.

"If they tell you they don't trust me, that is the only thing that can make me resign. The only thing. But not fake sources. The players at the table."

Relive Mourinho's post-match sentiments here. The league champions are back in action on October 17 for the visit of Aston Villa following the international break.

Chelsea sit 16th in the table, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City.