Asmir Begovic reckons the Chelsea squad need to go back to basics over the international break in order to save their season.

Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton was the club’s fourth loss in eight games and leaves them way off the pace in 16th place in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s role as manager has come under threat but John Terry’s public backing and a vote of confidence from the Blues board have ensured the Special One remains at the club for now.

Chelsea now have a two-week rest from domestic duties to ponder their sluggish start to the campaign.

Begovic, who has been playing between the sticks in the absence of the injured Thibaut Courtois, thinks it is a welcome opportunity for the champions to iron out the basic errors that have proven so costly.

He said: “Hopefully one result will get the confidence going again and we can kick on. We have to show character and we can't feel sorry for ourselves.

“That's life, that's football – you have ups and downs. We're going through a down at this moment and we need to improve.

Chelsea's defeat against Southampton in pictures:

“We need to get back to basics, work even harder, and I'm sure collectively we'll do that.

“When things are not going your way it's tough; we're playing against a lot of things at the moment, it's a mental thing as well, but it's just something we've got to keep fighting through.

“'It's not the standard this club and team has set so for us at the moment it is a very difficult time.

“Hopefully this break comes at a good time and we can regroup, get a good result in the next game and drive on from there.”

Aston Villa are the opposition when Chelsea pick up the Premier League trail on October 17.

Begovic hopes the Blues come through the forthcoming international fixtures with a clean bill of health and can spark their season into life when they return to Stamford Bridge.

He added: “It's important we stay positive; we know we can be a good team, we know we can play better. First and foremost we've got to look to the next game.

“Hopefully everyone is fit when we get back from the break and then we get a result and we can look forward from there. Obviously the goal is still to be challenging at the top of the table.”

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