London, Apr 19 (IANS): Jose Mourinho lost his job as coach just seven months after leading Chelsea to the English Premier League title because he trusted the players too much and "we let him down", midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said.

"A lot has been said. I love Jose and I consider him my friend and we still keep in touch right now," the Spaniard said on the Sky Sports program "Monday Night Football", reports Efe.

"Some of the things said were unfortunate, but I have huge respect for him," Fabregas said of the Portuguese coach on Monday.

Mourinho was fired on December 17, after reigning champions Chelsea posted their ninth loss in 16 league matches.

"I think Jose's biggest problem was that he trusted us too much. He gave us more holiday because we were champions. He had been trusting us and we let him down," Cesc told Sky Sports.

"For that, myself and the rest of the team, we feel bad for that," Fabregas said.

The 28-year-old Spanish international joined Chelsea in 2014 from FC Spanish champions Barcelona and played a key role in Chelsea's title winning season last year.