Football rumours: Abramovich still backing Mourinho, but Chelsea boss has banned ‘banter’ and Hamann talks up Klopp for Anfield

Jose Mourinho still enjoys the backing of the Chelsea owner, but no one is enjoying ‘banter’ at Stamford Bridge.

The Times report that Roman Abramovich is still in the manager’s corner, despite their poor start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea have taken just four points from five games, and were beaten by Everton on Saturday.

In an attempt to turn things around, the Telegraph report that Mourinho and his squad have banned ‘banter.’

Another big club in apparent turmoil is Liverpool, with legends rounding on under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers.

Dietmar Hamann believes that Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp would be a good fit at Anfield, should Rodgers depart.

Two other former Liverpool favourites have been in the news as well this week.

Steven Gerrard’s claim that he and Rafa Benitez couldn’t get on is just an attempt to sell books, Benitez has told Spanish television.

And in a rare flash of positivity in the footballing world, Jamie Vardy says Leicester are on to a ‘special thing’ in a piece carried by the Mirror.