London, May 10 (IANS): Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho believes his team has made a huge leap forward this season.

Chelsea have already secured the English Premier League title in the manager's second season since returning to the the English club helm with three league games remaining.

Chelsea finished third last year. Mourinho said he has seen his team improve its performance this season.

"We have improved," he was quoted as saying by chlseafc.com on Sunday.

"We have gone from third to first - two very important steps, and probably the most difficult steps. The most difficult step is the one that makes you champions, and we have made that step."

"I want to develop this team. I didn't stay at Inter or Real Madrid because I didn't want to stay. I want to stay here," stressed Mourinho.

He said he has developed a great rapport with the team's owner Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

"He has no pressure. He doesn't need to give me a contract tomorrow, he doesn't need to give me more money, and he doesn't need to be worried a club are knocking on my door," he said.

"While he wants me, I am staying, and when he doesn't want me, I am going. It's so simple for him, and also so simple for me."