Mourinho holds crisis talks with squad after Blues slump to successive defeats

Jose Mourinho demanded immediate improvements from his shell-shocked Chelsea players during a meeting with the entire squad at their Cobham training centre.

The manager called his players together following Wednesday’s Champions League defeat against Basle which came after a 1-0 loss at Everton.

There was also a pointed dressing-room visit from owner Roman Abramovich, but he did not usurp Mourinho’s authority on team matters.

 

Expecting better: Jose Mourinho has demanded improvement from his Chelsea players

As is customary, he spoke to a number of players about their performance, but there is no sign of tension, just acceptance that the form must change after a tricky start to Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea.

Some of the points raised by Mourinho at Cobham have been interpreted as ‘constructive’ and ‘positive’, but a number of players were left in no doubt their places are under threat.

Despite Chelsea’s poor start,  the players remain committed to their coach and his  methods. There is genuine frustration among all players and coaching staff about their failure to improve their goalscoring form.

Not the start they wanted: Chelsea suffered a shock home defeat to Basel in their opening Champions League game

Fernando Torres, axed from the squad against Basle, is the only recognised striker to score for Chelsea this season while Samuel Eto’o, signed from Anzhi Makhachkala last month, has been far from impressive in his opening two games.

Mourinho addressed his positioning during talks on Thursday as he began preparing for the west London derby with Fulham on Saturday.

Not impressed: Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich walks back after going to the Chelsea dressing room

Skipper John Terry, who was dropped for the 2-1 defeat on Wednesday, is expected to be recalled.

Mourinho selected  David Luiz to start in the defeat at Goodison Park, but he was blamed for poor positioning for Everton’s winner.

Although Luiz indicated that he wanted to play, it has emerged he was  jet-lagged following his return from international duty with Brazil. There is a concern at Chelsea as to why his performances dip for his club despite often impressing for his country.