Chelsea eventually overcame Fulham at Stamford Bridge after an almighty and often unconvincing struggle, as Oscar took advantage of goalkeeper David Stockdale's second-half fumble and John Obi Mikel scored his first Premier League goal for the club.
Mourinho's team went top of the table temporarily, but it was clear that much work still needs to be done. And he is ready to take the flak.
He said: "It is my fault I get this criticism. When you win one thing in 10 years people don't expect a lot of you – but when you win in 10 consecutive years people expect a lot. I am guilty of that and I accept the criticism.
"We will get better, if we believe in our work and our players. To change the philosophy at a club is difficult. You start a new tactical system and a way to think. It is not easy but it's enjoyable."
Mourinho left Spanish star Juan Mata out of his squad completely, as well as dropping defender David Luiz. Once again he persevered with misfiring Samuel Eto'o up front, with Fernando Torres coming off the bench late on.
Not one Chelsea striker has scored in the league so far, but Mourinho said: "The only way is to work. Samuel is lacking sharpness, but that is normal. When he has the ball at his feet it is easy to see the player he is.
"Fernando is very strong, sharp and fast. I don't think he's short on confidence. It was a good surprise for me to see the way he works – very hard. I believe in him." He denied that he was being tough on Mata, who, with Luiz, will now figure in Tuesday night's Capital One Cup tie at Swindon, saying: "I know I am a tough professional. Not a tough person. In my family and with my people I am a soft, sweet guy."
Centre-back Gary Cahill told another story: "With this manager, if you slip up, you will be out of the side – simple as that," he said. "You just have to work hard and make sure that it is not you.
"We looked nervous in the first half but afterwards it was how we want to be playing. We created many chances.
"It was all about winning this game after our last two disappointing results. It takes time to adapt to a new style. The manager is asking us to play a bit differently.
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