Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has urged supporters to be patient with Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian has made three appearances for the Blues since his arrival from Basel last month, but he is yet to have much of an impact on the team.

However, Mourinho has insisted that the 21-year-old must be given the time to adapt to the demands of playing for a club like Chelsea.

"It's important for him to come step by step and try to improve and adapt. This is a different world, a different quality of football he comes from," the London Evening Standard quotes the Portuguese coach as saying.

"You know, playing at Stamford Bridge is not the same as playing for Basel. With Basel you play to enjoy your time and you have nothing to lose. While in the blue shirt, you have 40,000 people that you are required to please. Everyone wants you to be decisive, all the time.

"So I think Mohamed needs six months to adapt our game and the demands of the Premier League. I am calm and I'm telling him he has time because we have confidence in him. I think next season is Mohamed Salah's breakthrough season."

Salah is believed to have cost Chelsea £11m.