Former Premier League footballer Jamie Redknapp has claimed that rumours of a Chelsea departure for manager Jose Mourinho are "strange".

The English champions have struggled in the early stages of the season having lost three of their opening five matches.

Eleven points now separate themselves from leaders Manchester City following Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Everton.

"It's been a terrible start for Chelsea, but the idea that Jose Mourinho will not last the season seems strange," Redknapp wrote in his Daily Mail column.

"He has so much credit in the bank and though he has not lasted more than three seasons anywhere, he will want to stick around a bit longer."

The Portuguese coach signed a new four-year deal in August.