Jose Mourinho insists he is not under pressure even though "everything is against" Chelsea after their stuttering start to their Premier League title defence suffered another huge blow.
Mourinho's side lost 3-1 to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday as Steven Naismith's hat-trick inflicted a third defeat on the champions from their opening five league matches.
It was the first time that Blues boss Mourinho has lost two successive Premier League games since May 2006, having suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace before the international break.
The last time Chelsea had a worse start to a top-flight season was in 1986-87 when they went on to end the campaign in 14th position.
But asked if he was under pressure, Mourinho said: "No. No. I think the refugees are under big pressure.
"The biggest concern is that everything goes against us. We know we are making mistakes but for every mistake we are punished immediately.
"We need to win a couple of consecutive matches. We need the players to smile again. We need the strikers to score goals, we need the central defenders not to make mistakes and be punished for that.
"We need confidence. I think confidence is fundamental. In this moment everything goes against us and the players feel it."
Nemanja Matic had pulled a goal back for Chelsea, but it was of little consolation to Mourinho, who said he "did not know" if Chelsea could win the title given their poor start and the 11-point gap to leaders Manchester City.
And the Portuguese coach acknowledged that morale among the squad is now at a low point.
"Chelsea can win the next match against Arsenal for sure. To win the title, I don't know," Mourinho added.
"We depend on us to improve a lot the results, but we also depend on other clubs that are on top of us to lose matches, and this is something out of control.
"Confidence is low, and it is an unhappy team because of that result. A team with obviously some doubts, even without every lucky or unlucky incident in every match.
"For me, clearly, you can say what you want, but I think the players deserved a much better result than they got.
"They don't accept it. They fight, they play, they try but the reality at the moment is difficult for them. It is not easy to play football with confidence level low."
Perfect hat-trick
Everton manager Roberto Martinez praised the impact that early substitute Naismith showed as he became the first Toffees player to score a hat-trick against Chelsea since the legendary Dixie Dean in 1931.
"It would have been all too easy for Steven not to be ready and not to be happy to not be in starting XI," Martinez said.
"But he gave us a real example of the focus, concentration to come on and score the perfect hat-trick - a header, one on the right and one of the left - against the champions.
"For me it showed the real standard of this dressing room, it is strong squad but mentality is everything."
Martinez also singled out centre-back John Stones, who had been targeted by Chelsea before the transfer window closed, for the professionalism of his display.
"Clearly he showed why we couldn't replace a player like John Stones at that stage," Martinez added.
"I said it many times. I don't think the player deserved to be put in that position, but he has been heavily tested and it never affected the way he performed.
"He would never left Everton down. He always trained and performed well and today he showed he is going to be a future England captain."
AFP
Sun Sep 13 2015
Mourinho watches his players as they warm up ahead of the English Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Sept 12, 2015. - AFP Photo/Paul Ellis
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.