Roman Abramovich and the rest of Chelsea's board were continuing to hold intense discussions about Jose Mourinho's future on Wednesday.

Sources say Chelsea's top officials met for nine hours on Tuesday following the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Monday night.

The board will vote on Mourinho's future but it will merely guide the final decision that rests with Abramovich alone.

Abramovich has preferred to retain Mourinho but the continued run of poor form has made him reassess.

One source said there was a significant concern that "the squad have seemed to stop listening."

Mourinho has acknowledged that there are no guarantees he will be in charge for Saturday's game at home to Sunderland.

Asked if he was 100 percent convinced he would still be in charge, Mourinho replied: "The only thing I can say is that I want to be.

"I have no doubts and I think you know me well enough, three years this time, plus three years another time, that I am not afraid of a big challenge, and in this moment this is a real big challenge. I want to stay, I hope Mr Abramovich and the board want me to stay."