'Frustrated' Chelsea welcome Maccabi Tel Aviv

• Chelsea host Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group G opener
• Chelsea have won just once in six fixtures in all competitions this season
• The Blues have made their worst start to a top-flight season since 1986
• Maccabi are seven games unbeaten in all competitions
• Maccabi boss Slaviša Jokanović was a Chelsea player from 2000 to 2002
  

Possible lineups
Chelsea: Begović; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Baba; Matić, Fàbregas; Willian, Pedro Rodríguez, Hazard; Rémy.
Out: Courtois (knee), Falcao (tendon)
Doubtful: Oscar (unfit), Ramires (leg)

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Rajković; Shpungin, Ben Haim I, Tibi, Ben Harush; Igiebor, Alberman, Mitrović, Miha, Ben Haim II; Zahavi.
Out: Dasa (suspended)

José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
We are not all smiles, laughing and joking. When people are not getting the success they work for – and I promise we are working a lot for that – people get frustrated and unhappy. The only real problem we have is we don't have good results. At other clubs you have to go back two, three, five, six, ten years to remember good results. In our case you have to go back three months. Three months ago we were the best team in the country, the best manager, the best players.

I respect Maccabi and I have watched them play many matches. I did my study, I know the team. I also had information that, in the last week, they trained with a different tactical system and will probably come to play with five defenders. I am fine. I promise you, I'm fine. I'm not happy, I'm not used to losing so many times, but I'm adapting. I'm not adapting to losing, but to the situation – the challenge – to have to improve.

There is one point that is fundamental in football, and that is the confidence levels. Especially with people who are used to winning all the time. When you don't it's a strange feeling. Some people have more experience of that. Some deal with that negative moment better than others.

Slaviša Jokanović, Maccabi Tel Aviv coach
It's a nice moment for me, back at a place that was my home many years ago. I was also here [as Watford manager] at the beginning of the year for an FA Cup game. I have great memories of the past season here in England but now I am focused on what is in front of me.

I am very proud to be here with Maccabi Tel Aviv; we are here to find out what level we're at. We have achieved great results this summer. We surprised some better teams and deserve to be where we are.

I am going to enjoy this moment, this opportunity to test myself, my team and Israeli football. After 11 years Maccabi Tel Aviv are back in the competition.

Weekend results
Everton 3-1 Chelsea (Naismith 17 22 82; Matić 36)
Mourinho's side slipped to their third defeat in five Premier League games, Steven Naismith coming off the bench to score a hat-trick.

Kiryat Shmona 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (Kassio 21; Alberman 72)
Gal Alberman struck midway through the second half to earn Maccabi a draw, their first dropped points of the season.

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)*
Chelsea: LLWLD
Maccabi Tel-Aviv: DWDWDD

*This season only

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Reporter's view: Trevor Haylett (@UEFAcomTrevorH)
What would normally be viewed as a routine way for Chelsea to secure their first three points of the group campaign has suddenly become a must-win fixture. It is highly out of character for Chelsea to concede three goals – it has happened twice now already – so Mourinho will be seeking more defensive solidity against a Maccabi side who have nothing to lose.

Did you know?
Jokanović is facing one of his former clubs, as is Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim; read more in our extensive match background.