Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has called on his team to fight like champions despite already conceding that his chances of retaining the Premier League title are gone following a poor start.

The Blues find themselves in 15th place in the league standings having lost seven of their 13 games this term, but Mourinho has still insisted that his side must play like they are worthy of their current title as holders of the crown.

"We have to play every match as if we are fighting for the title," said Mourinho, according to BT Sport.

"But the reality is we need points, the same way we needed last season, when we were top of the table and almost champions and fighting to be champions.

"In this moment we are far from even the European positions. We have to play every game with ambition, with determination. Every point until the end of the season can make a difference. We lost so many points already that now we have to fight for every point even more."

Chelsea face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league on Sunday afternoon.