Jose Mourinho has defended Asmir Begovic after the goalkeeper conceded four goals on his Chelsea debut in their defeat to New York Red Bulls.

The £8m signing from Stoke City came on as a half-time substitute in New York, but he failed to stop the Blues from losing their pre-season tour opener.

Despite a disappointing debut for the Premier League champions, Mourinho has confirmed that Begovic will start the team's next friendly against Paris Saint-Germain.

"Begovic was not sharp, a consequence of being tired from training," the Portuguese is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "In the next game against PSG he will start."

Bosnia and Herzegovina international Begovic spent over five years with Stoke City before moving to Stamford Bridge.