Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is experiencing the “worst period and results” in his managerial career.
The Premier League champions have won two and lost three of seven top flight games this season and are 14th.
“I get it as a fantastic experience – an experience that I don’t want to repeat,” he said before Saturday’s home game against Southampton.
“To come after 15 years is too late but it’s helping me to be better. It is a great negative experience.”
Mourinho said there were no unrest within the Chelsea squad and his players were behaving in a “great” manner, despite the side being eight points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.
“The players, when they make a mistake, they know and they feel,” he said.
“We speak openly, no prima donnas. When you make a mistake you have to speak about it. I call it ‘coaching’.”
‘My chance to speak will come.’
“For the last two months I did not open my mouth and I will keep like this,” said Mourinho.
“One day I will speak, and I will choose that day.”
Asked about FA chief Greg Dyke’s comments that he should apologise, Mourinho replied: “That’s the same answer. I am quiet about it for a long time.
“I read, and listen, and watch, and I am quiet.”
Responding to a suggestion that commenting might help the issue go away, he said: “I can be here all day. My chance to speak will come.”