Jose Mourinho: Chelsea manager suffering 'worst' spell of career

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is experiencing the "worst period and results" in his managerial career.

"I get it as a fantastic experience - an experience that I don't want to repeat," he said before Saturday's home game against Southampton.

"To come after 15 years is too late but it's helping me to be better. It is a great negative experience."

Mourinho said there were no unrest within the Chelsea squad and his players were behaving in a "great" manner, despite the side being eight points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

"The players, when they make a mistake, they know and they feel," he said.

"We speak openly, no prima donnas. When you make a mistake you have to speak about it. I call it 'coaching'."

'My chance to speak will come'

Mourinho kept his own counsel when asked about the controversy over former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro.

Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn were criticised by the Portuguese for treating Eden Hazard with the side already down to 10 men against Swansea earlier on this season.

The club doctor, 42, had her role downgraded before she decided to leave the club.

The Football Association cleared Mourinho of making discriminatory comments to Carneiro - a decision criticised by Women in Football as well as FA board member Heather Rabbatts.

"For the last two months I did not open my mouth and I will keep like this," said Mourinho.

"One day I will speak, and I will choose that day."

Asked about FA chief Greg Dyke's comments that he should apologise, Mourinho replied: "That's the same answer. I am quiet about it for a long time.

"I read, and listen, and watch, and I am quiet."

Responding to a suggestion that commenting might help the issue go away, he said: "I can be here all day. My chance to speak will come."