
Ray
Wilkins is convinced Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho still has the support of
his players.
Skipper John Terry gave a staunch defence of his manager in a news
conference ahead of the side's Champions League game with Dynamo Kiev, while
Cesc Fabregas issued a statement denying he was at the centre of a player
rebellion against Mourinho.
Chelsea trained on Tuesday ahead of the visit of Kiev and both players and
manager appeared to be in high spirits.
Wilkins, who captained the club before returning as a coach, fully believes
both players and says the side's current struggles are simply down to poor
form.
"I just saw the shots for the first time with the guys training yesterday
and that's what it is normally like at a club anyway," Wilkins told Sky
Sports News HQ.
"They are all having a chuckle. They are only young men after all so they
should be training in that fashion. I'm convinced they are just playing
poorly, individually and collectively.
"I watched the game on Saturday and for the first five minutes when they
went a goal up I thought they were outstanding. They went after Liverpool,
made it really difficult for them, played fast and furious football which we
were used to last season.
"But then all of a sudden when they went a goal up they sat back and allowed
Liverpool to dictate the game, I think 60 percent of the possession
Liverpool had, and were the better side overall and deserved to win.
"But they are just playing badly, I think there is only Willian out the
whole 11 that I watched last year who is actually playing up to form and
that is very difficult for any manager."
Wilkins also said the players would have no problem getting into the right
frame of mind for Wednesday's clash with Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge and
expects Chelsea to top the group.
"When you are in the Champions League it is totally different, playing in
the prime competition in world football. So their mentality will be totally
right tonight," Wilkins said.
"I agree with Mourinho, I think they will top the group and they will win
this evening."