Chelsea's Mourinho to appeal FA punishment

Mourinho was fined £50,000 ($77,000, 68,000 euros) and given a suspended one-match stadium ban, after saying that "referees are afraid to give decisions for Chelsea".

Mourinho contests the FA's suggestion that under-fire manager’s comments "alleged and/or implied bias on the part of a match official or match officials and/or brought the game into disrepute".

He said he had read the written reasons for the decision and, when asked if he will appeal against them, responded "yes".

"I have to be honest with myself, that's the most important thing," Mourinho said.

"I think, in the moment, we have got the written reasons and I decided to appeal. So it's the moment to stop with my opinions and not say anything more than I did already. I was very objective in my sadness facing the situation."

While Mourinho pleaded guilty to the charge, it is understood he feels the severity of the sanctions are unfair.

The Portuguese also has a decision to make ahead of his under-performing side's home game against Aston Villa on Saturday, as right-back Branislav Ivanovic - the Chelsea defender with the most minutes this season - is out with a hamstring injury.

"I have four solutions," Mourinho responded.

"I have (Cesar) Azpilicueta. I have the adaptations of (Kurt) Zouma or Ramires. And I have Ole Aina, an 18-year-old who never played a game in the Premier League, but a boy with lots of potential."

This has been a trying time for Chelsea, as they only have one point from their last three games - a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, followed by defeats at Porto in the Champions League and then at home to Southampton.

He denied there was a "fear factor" within the squad right now - but that it is true that opposing sides may not necessarily fear Chelsea.

"No, I don't think fear factor is the right words. Lack of confidence. A little bit less self-esteem. That can affect your style of play, your body language in a game. Fear factor? I don't believe so at this level.

"I believe teams come to Stamford Bridge not fearing us and believing they can get a result," Mourinho said.

"It's normal."

Mourinho also felt the international break proved that "the habitat" is not the source of Chelsea’s problems, as he didn’t think any of his players performed better for their countries.

Mourinho gave his backing to Tim Sherwood, who is under similar pressure at Villa, at 18th in the table and seven games without a win.

“Good players. Good team. Not getting the best results.

"But a team that lost two very important players, and a team that the manager is trying to rebuild having lost probably the two most important players. But a good team with good players.

"And I don't believe, like I don't believe Chelsea will be in this position in a couple of months, that they will be in this position in a couple of months, too."