Joe Cole has claimed that Chelsea can still win the Premier League title despite their torrid start to the season.

The Blues have lost eight of their opening 15 matches in defence of their crown and sit just two points clear of the relegation zone in 14th place in the table.

However, Cole believes that Jose Mourinho remains the best manager in the world and has refused to rule his former club out of contention with the Portuguese at the helm.

He told Sky Sports News: "Anything is possible, and that's why we watch football. You can't rule them out as champions... that team could beat everyone from now until the end of the season.

"I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's football. It'll be interesting in the next few weeks. The fans haven't turned, they're right behind the manager and the chairman.

"The main thing you've got to think about is you've got the best manager in the world there - fact. That's not down to opinion, he's the most decorated over the different leagues. For Chelsea to move forward, you've got to stick with the manager and let him do what he does best. I don't think anyone can dispute his record and I'm sure he'll be relishing turning it around."

Cole is currently on loan at Coventry City from Aston Villa.