Roman Abramovich is expected to meet with the Chelsea board to discuss the future of Jose Mourinho today.

Mourinho’s position as boss has come under intense pressure after a disastrous start to the season which has left the champions one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

Russian owner Abramovich is well-known for his ruthless approach to dispensing with managers but took the unprecedented step of issuing the Portuguese with a vote of confidence in October.

However, results have not improved since then and Monday night’s 2-1 defeat at surprise leaders Leicester was their ninth in the league this term.

That remarkable number represents the same number of losses Mourinho has suffered across the past two seasons and highlights the rapidness of Chelsea’s decline.

Decision time: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

Time is running out for the Special One and Abramovich will consult with chairman Bruce Buck, trusted advisor Marina Granovskaia, director Eugene Tenenbaum and technical director Michael Emenalo.

Mourinho signed a new four-year £250,000-a-week contract in the summer and would be due a massive pay-out if the man at the top does decide to finally pull the trigger.

A lack of ready-made replacements is believed to have strengthened Mourinho’s position with Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone and Antonio Conte all unavailable until the summer.

Chelsea players enjoyed a day off yesterday in the wake of the Leicester loss but will return to Cobham today as preparations begin for Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.

The Special One spoke of a betrayal from his team at the King Power Stadium and he is likely to be walking into disgruntled dressing room at the training ground this morning.

poll loading

Does Jose Mourinho deserve more time at Chelsea?