Fabio Capello: Jose Mourinho burns his players out

Chelsea have made a laboured start to their Premier League title defence and sit in 16th place having lost four of their opening eight games.

And former England manager Capello has told Fox Sports in Italy that Mourinho’s robust management style can only sustain success for so long.

"Mourinho is a strategist," Capello said as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He has challenged Chelsea to either back him or sack him.

[STORY: Chelsea claim Jose Mourinho 'has their full support']

"Mourinho is a great coach but, after a year and a half, the players are shattered. His players are psychologically unable to give him what he needs.

“His cycles tend to last around this period of time."

Capello, who left his role as Russia manager in July, added that Chelsea were lacking the hallmarks of a Mourinho team thus far this season.

"They don't have any rhythm, any aggression," added the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager.

Much has been made in recent weeks of Mourinho’s so called third-year travails. However, Capello goes one step further and claims that so intense is Mourinho that players can only perform to his heightened expectations for 18 months. Chelsea did begin to taper off towards the end of last season and the omens are not looking good thus far this season.

However, whatever the reason, this is undoubtedly the biggest challenge of Mourinho’s career. Yes, he can bring short term success but can he build a dynasty? Or can he re-build a side with youth? Only time will tell but the next few months could have huge implications for his legacy.