Mourinho orders Chelsea lockdown

Jose Mourinho has ordered a Chelsea lockdown amid a sense that there is a campaign against the club among football authorities and the media.

Mourinho believes he has been targeted by the Football Association this season having twice been charged with misconduct and been issued with a stadium ban for the away fixture against Stoke earlier this month.

The Blues boss has been angered by several officials’ decisions in matches this season and has also hit out against media reports “calling for my end”.

Mourinho was backed by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during the recent international break and his job is safe, at least in the short-term, despite the fact the champions sit 15th in the Premier League table having lost seven of their 13 matches.

Goal understands that Abramovich does have significant concerns but his continuing support for Mourinho largely stems from the lack of available options to replace him midway through the season, as well as the huge compensation packages that would be due to the Portuguese and his backroom staff.

In his attempts to turn around the club’s fortunes, Mourinho held meetings with his players last week in which he tried to create a siege mentality to rebuild the confidence and team unity that has been lost in recent months.

Mourinho looked to create a fresh start as he told his players to focus solely on football and called for an end to behind-the-scenes complaints and collusion.

Mourinho is aware that several players in the Chelsea squad are unhappy with his management methods and has launched an investigation into leaks from the dressing room.

There could be repercussions in January with sources at the club suggesting that they are expecting a “busier than usual” transfer window, with Mourinho keen to refresh his squad.

It was telling that Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo gave an interview to the Daily Telegraph last week in which he strongly backed Mourinho to turn the season around. It sent a message to unhappy players that the 52-year-old will not be sacked.

The Blues have won both of their fixtures since the international break - against Norwich and Maccabi Tel Aviv - ahead of Sunday’s trip to London rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea’s target for the season is now to qualify for the Champions League and a victory over top four contenders Spurs would provide Mourinho’s side with a massive boost ahead of the busy December schedule.