The champions are down in 16th after a disastrous start to their title defence.

An eighth defeat of the season today at home to Norwich is absolutely unthinkable for Mourinho and his men.

But instead of demanding reinforcements in the January transfer window, Mourinho has told his existing squad it's down to them to save their season.

Mourinho said: "I'm not saying I won't sign anyone. I'm saying I won't ask the club to do that.

"I don't have the right to do it, in my opinion. I'd be more than happy with the squad I have now.

"If I ask for players, or if the clubs give me a handful of players, it's like taking a bit the responsibility out of us and saying we need extra to reach our objectives.

"I want the responsibility in my hands, the players to have the responsibility in their hands. I want the players to feel I trust them and don't need other players to reach the objectives. So, I think, we should go together, me and the players."

**The highest-paid managers in the Premier League**

FEELING THE HEAT: Jose Mourinho

Asked though, if he would still be happy if the club went out and made a superstar signing such as Cristiano Ronaldo in January, Mourinho said: "Of course. But not because I'm not happy or don't trust my players, or that I think only a superstar will help us reach our objectives.

"We believe in ourselves, we trust ourselves. I'd be more than happy to go with this group to the end. I always look to players.

"In the last week, if every name connected to us was true we'd have to build a new training centre because there are already 126.

"In my case, I'm looking to get the best out of my players."

Mourinho returns to the dug-out for today's match following his stadium ban at Stoke a fortnight ago.

He was handed public backing again this week with technical director Michael Emenalo - a key confidante of owner Roman Abramovich - insisting Mourinho is still the right man for the job.

SUPERSTAR: Cristiano Ronaldo

"Nothing that went public is something I don't know before," said Mourinho.

"We were champions four months ago - not four years ago or 10 years ago. The manager is the same. The players are basically the same too.

"Nobody gives a four-year contract four months ago if they don't trust the person. Nobody gives new contracts to players, like we did to so many of them in the last couple of months, if we don't trust the players.

"The power in the end is with the owner and the board, and I think the same way they show to me and the players that they trust us, I think it's time also for us to give a positive answer."

OWNER: Roman Abramovich