Jose Mourinho expects to remain Chelsea manager even if the Blues finish mid-table

Jose Mourinho expects to still be the Chelsea manager even if the defending Premier League champions finish in mid-table.

Chelsea enter Saturday's match at home to Aston Villa 16th after four defeats in the opening eight games.

Mourinho called for the backing of the Chelsea board after the October 3 loss to Southampton and a first vote of confidence of Roman Abramovich's 12-year ownership was issued.

Chelsea have dispensed with numerous managers, often when when Champions League qualification is in doubt.

But Mourinho says he will not be sacked even if Chelsea are adrift in the race for the top four.

Asked if he would still be in charge if Chelsea finish in mid-table, Mourinho said "Yes", before added: "No. I was not told that because we don't expect to finish mid-table."

Following the Saints loss, Mourinho, who has won three Premier League titles over two spells, suggested the Blues would be sacking the best manager they ever had if he was fired.

Now Abramovich's approach to his managers is different, according to the Portuguese, who was reappointed in June 2013.

"It's different for many reasons, since the moment I came back in 2013, when I had my first conversation with the owner and the board in 2013," he said.

The competition in the Premier League means Chelsea could miss out on the top four this term, as Manchester United and Liverpool have done in recent seasons.

The Blues are seven points adrift and 10 behind leaders Manchester City.

"Somebody will be out (of the top four). Do I think it's Chelsea? No," Mourinho said.