Kenyon backing Jose

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon today backed Jose Mourinho to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements by bringing sustained success to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho begins his career at Chelsea with a clash against Manchester United on Sunday and is aiming to displace the Old Trafford club as the dominant force in English football.

Ferguson has won eight Premiership titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League in 18 years at United but Kenyon believes Mourinho, already a European Cup winner with Porto, has the ability to match that haul.

He said: "There's no question that Jose is capable of matching Sir Alex's achievements. He joined us because he shares our vision of making Chelsea a top European club. That's what excited him and that's why he's here."

Whereas his predecessor Claudio Ranieri was sacked for failing to win a trophy last season, Mourinho will be given at least two years to prove himself at Chelsea.

Kenyon added: "There's no demand that we succeed this season and we're interested in sustainable success."